Overview
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. is a species of orchid that belongs to the family of Orchidaceae. It is a fascinating orchid plant that is native to Madagascar and found in the eastern part of the country. The plant is known for its elegance and beauty, making it a popular ornamental plant for many gardening enthusiasts.
General Appearance
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. is an epiphytic orchid plant with beautiful flowers that bloom at night. The plant's growth habit is monopodial and grows up to 20 inches (50cm) tall with a rhizomatous root system. The plant has a slender stem that supports the long, narrow leaves, which are dark green in color and grow up to 8 inches (20cm) long. The flowers of the plant are the most impressive part, with large, white, and fragrant blooms that grow up to 2 inches (5cm) in diameter. The blooms have a unique appearance, with long spurs that extend from the back of the petals making the plant even more eye-catching.
Common Names
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. is known by various common names, including The Star of Madagascar, Plehn's Angraecum, and White Orchid.
Uses
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. is widely cultivated in the horticulture industry as an ornamental plant due to its stunning blooms and foliage. The plant is also used in the production of perfumes and scents due to its fragrant flowers. The plant's extracts also have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as coughs, stomach pains, and other respiratory problems.
Growth Conditions for Angraecum plehnianum Schltr.
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. is an orchid species found in Madagascar. It is a epiphytic orchid that means it grows on trees, clinging to the bark or rocks. The following are the growth conditions suitable for Angraecum plehnianum Schltr :
Light
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. grows in bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant. However, the orchid prefers bright light intensity in the morning and late afternoon while being protected from the midday sun. The leaves of the orchid should be light green, indicating the light level is good enough.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. is between 22°C to 30°C in the day and 16°C to 21°C at night. The orchid grows well in a warm temperate climate with humidity levels around 60% with good air circulation.
Soil Requirements
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. is an epiphytic orchid that doesn't need soil to grow. Its roots need enough air circulation and moisture to grow. You can put the plant in a wooden basket or mount it on a tree or on a piece of bark using sphagnum moss. It is advisable to avoid using potting soil when growing Angraecum plehnianum Schltr.
By providing the right growing conditions like light, temperature, and soil requirements, Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. can grow into a beautiful and healthy orchid.
Cultivation Methods for Angraecum plehnianum Schltr.
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. is an epiphytic orchid that grows well in a moist environment with plenty of air movement, good water drainage, and indirect sunlight. It is typically grown in a pot or a basket.
When growing in a pot, use a well-draining orchid mix that contains a blend of small bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss. The pot should have several drainage holes to avoid waterlogging the roots.
For growing in a basket, line it with a layer of moss or coconut fiber to retain some moisture, and then position the orchid roots over a moist substrate such as sphagnum moss, bark, or coconut fiber.
Watering Needs for Angraecum plehnianum Schltr.
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. prefers to be kept evenly moist, but not soaking wet. It requires frequent watering during the growing season (spring to fall) and reduced watering during the dormant season (winter).
Water the plant thoroughly, and allow the excess water to drain out of the pot or basket. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as it can cause root rot.
You may also mist the plant on hot days or place a humidifier near it to increase the humidity.
Fertilization for Angraecum plehnianum Schltr.
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. requires regular fertilization to thrive. It prefers a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and essential micronutrients.
During the growing season, fertilize the plant every two weeks using a diluted fertilizer solution. Reduce or discontinue fertilization during the dormant season.
Pruning for Angraecum plehnianum Schltr.
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. does not require pruning, except for removing old or dead leaves or flowers. You may also need to trim the roots if they are overgrown or damaged, but be careful not to damage healthy roots.
If the plant becomes too large for its pot or basket, gently remove it and re-pot it into a larger container using fresh potting mix.
Propagation of Angraecum plehnianum Schltr.
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. can be propagated through several methods. These include:
Division of Roots
This method involves dividing the plant by separating its roots into sections. This process is done during repotting, and the divided sections are placed in new pots with fresh potting mix. This method is best done during the plant's growing season when it is actively producing new roots.
Meristem Culture
This method involves taking small tissue samples from the plant's meristem, which is the area of rapid cell division. The tissue samples are then grown in a sterile medium until they form new plantlets. This method is used for the propagation of rare or valuable plants as it enables the production of exact genetic copies of the parent plant.
Stem Cuttings
This method includes taking stem cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a suitable medium. The cuttings should be taken from the new growth of the plant and must have several nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cutting is inserted in a suitable medium. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until it forms roots.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method to propagate Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. The seeds should be collected from a healthy mature plant and sown in a suitable medium. They must be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until they germinate and form new plantlets. This method of propagation can take up to a year before the plantlet is ready for transplanting.
Disease and Pest Management for Angraecum plehnianum Schltr.
Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. is a beautiful orchid species that can be grown in the tropics and subtropics. Like any other plant, it is vulnerable to pests and diseases. If left untreated, these can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to the death of the plant. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the common diseases and pests that are known to affect this plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases that Affect Angraecum plehnianum Schltr.
Some of the most common diseases that affect Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. include:
- Bacterial Soft Rot: This condition is caused by a bacterium that attacks the plant's tissues, causing soft rot. Symptoms include soft and mushy leaves that collapse and foul-smelling ooze. To prevent this disease, it is crucial to avoid overwatering the plant, provide adequate air circulation, and avoid physical damage to the plant.
- Black Rot: This is a fungal disease that manifests as blackened areas on leaves, stems, and roots. The affected parts will eventually die and fall off. To manage this disease, it is important to remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Avoid overwatering the plant, provide good air circulation, and ensure that the plant is not overcrowded.
Common Pests that Affect Angraecum plehnianum Schltr.
Some of the most common pests that affect Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. include:
- Scale Insects: These insects are tiny and hard to detect. They attach themselves to the plant and suck out the sap, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to suffocate them and clear them off the plant. Alternatively, you can use a soft brush or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them manually.
- Spider Mites: These tiny mites are also hard to detect. They affect the plant by sucking out the sap, causing the leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage this pest, you can use a sharp jet of water to dislodge them or use a miticide to kill them off.
Preventing and managing diseases and pests is crucial for the overall health of Angraecum plehnianum Schltr. Remember to keep the plant clean, provide good air circulation, avoid overwatering and overcrowding, and use insecticides and fungicides only when necessary.
