Angraecum Evrardianum Geerinck: A Brief Introduction
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is a rare orchid species that belongs to the family Orchidaceae.
Origin and Distribution
This plant is primarily found in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including areas like Katanga, Kivu, and Maniema, as well as in Zambia, Tanzania, and Malawi.
Common Names
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is commonly known as the "African Angraecum" due to its natural occurrence in various African countries. The plant is also called the "Cameleon Orchid" due to its ability to change colors in response to different lighting conditions.
Uses
The Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is primarily grown for its beauty. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant due to its large, uniquely shaped flowers. Some people also use it for medicinal purposes, where its extract is believed to have several healing properties.
General Appearance
The Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is an epiphytic, lithophytic orchid species that can grow up to 25 cm in height. The plant has a creeping habit, and its leaves are oblong, dark green, and about 10 cm long. Its stunning flowers are white or cream-colored, and can grow up to 8 cm in length, with a unique shape that is reminiscent of a large moth.
The Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is a beautiful and rare plant that is highly sought after by plant enthusiasts all over the world. Its unique appearance and rare occurrence make it a prized addition to any orchid collection.
Light Requirements
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is a type of orchid that grows best in bright indirect light. It also thrives in partially shaded areas where it receives a mix of sunlight and shade throughout the day. Direct sunlight can damage the plant’s leaves, so it should be kept away from windows that receive strong afternoon sun.
Temperature Requirements
This orchid species typically grows well in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers a warm environment that’s well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of excess humidity. At night, the temperature should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil and Water Requirements
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck grows best in a well-draining potting mix that’s rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. It’s best to water the orchid as soon as the soil dries out to a depth of about an inch.
It’s important to maintain a relatively high level of humidity around the orchid. You can do this by placing a tray filled with water under the orchid, or by misting it with water several times a week.
Cultivation Methods
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is an epiphytic orchid that requires a well-draining medium to grow. It can be grown in a mixture of bark and sphagnum moss or mounted on a slab of cork or tree fern. Ensure that the medium or the mounting material is in a position that allows the plant to receive good air circulation.
It is best to grow Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck in bright, indirect light. This orchid thrives in warm temperatures, between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and a humidity level of about 50-70%. Ensure the orchid is protected from direct sunlight, which can lead to leaf burn.
Watering Needs
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck thrives in semi-dry conditions. The plant should be watered once the medium or the mounting material has dried out completely. Watering should be done early in the day to allow any excess water to dry out before evening, to prevent disease challenges.
It is vital to avoid getting water on the leaves when watering Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck. It can cause leaf rot, which can be damaging to the plant.
Fertilization
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck requires periodic fertilizing during active growth periods. They should be fertilized monthly during the growing season and with dilute fertilizer solutions.
It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium (NPK) of 15:15:15. It is also wise to consider the company's instructions on how to apply the orchid fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is not necessary. However, it is advisable to remove any dead or yellowing leaves, roots, or flowers to prevent the buildup of bacteria or fungi. You can use sterilized scissors or a sharp knife, and make cuts on a slanted angle to achieve quick healing.
Furthermore, you can remove the flower spike once the flowers have wilted and dried out. It is essential to wait for the spike to yellow before cutting it back.
Propagation of Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is a beautiful orchid native to Madagascar that can be propagated through various methods.
Division of the Plant
Division is the most common method of propagation for Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck. This method involves dividing the plant into several sections, each with at least one pseudobulb and a few healthy roots.
Before dividing the plant, it is essential to ensure that the parent plant is healthy and disease-free. The best time to divide Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is during the growing season, when new pseudobulbs are developing.
To propagate through division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the pseudobulbs. Using a sharp, sterilized knife, cut through the base of the old pseudobulbs, making sure to keep at least one healthy root attached to each section.
Plant the divided sections in their individual pots with well-draining potting mix. Water them well and place them in a shaded spot to facilitate root growth.
Keiki Production
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck also produces keikis (baby plants), which can be removed and propagated to form new plants. Keikis are produced on the old flower stems or in the axils of the leaves.
To propagate through keikis, wait until the baby plant has developed roots and at least two leaves. Then, gently detach it from the parent plant using a sterilized knife and pot it in a small container filled with damp sphagnum moss.
Keep the new plant in a shaded area with high humidity until it has developed an established root system and healthy leaves.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is another method of propagating Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck. This method involves taking a small piece of tissue from the plant and placing it in a sterile nutrient agar medium to develop into a new plant.
Tissue culture is a highly specialized process that requires sterile laboratory conditions and technical expertise. It is a challenging method to execute, and it is best left to professional growers or laboratories.
In conclusion, Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck can be propagated through division, keiki production, and tissue culture. Each method has its pros and cons and requires a different level of expertise.
Disease Management of Angraecum Evrardianum Geerinck
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck is generally a robust and healthy plant. However, under unfavorable conditions, it is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases, such as:
- Black Rot: It is a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves and stems, which eventually rot and fall off. The infected parts must be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
- Crown Rot: It is a bacterial disease that affects the base of the plant, causing it to decay and eventually die. It is often caused by overwatering or planting the orchid too deep in the pot. The infected plant must be removed, and the pot and soil should be disinfected before planting a new one.
Pest Management of Angraecum Evrardianum Geerinck
Angraecum evrardianum Geerinck can also fall prey to various insect pests, such as:
- Scale Insects: They can be difficult to spot as they often appear as tiny, brown or black bumps on the stems and leaves. If left untreated, they can weaken the plant and cause dieback. Infested plants should be treated with an insecticide or horticultural oil.
- Spider Mites: These tiny, spider-like pests often appear in dry conditions, causing yellow or brown spots on the leaves and fine webbing on the plants. The affected plant should be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white fluffy insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves, in leaf axils, or between pseudobulbs. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Infested plants should be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, or wiped gently with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Regular inspection of the plant and its growing environment can help to prevent infestations and disease outbreak. Ensuring the right growing conditions and providing good care is the most effective method for promoting a healthy plant.
