Prompt, how to achieve flowering angrekum.
Tatiana MATVIENKO
In nature, these orchids bloom during the winter months., at home - at any time. However, for this it is necessary to take into account their requirements.. Flowers have a pleasant scent, intensifies in the evening. Hold for about a month. There are several Angrekums in my collection, but so far only two have bloomed: Angrecums of Leon (Listrostachys lion) and Magdalene (A. Magdala).
TEMPERATURE AND LIGHTING
Angrekum - orchid of moderate warm content with a slight decrease in temperature in winter, but not less +16 city. Optimal in summer - +20-27 city, (not higher +30 city.). In addition, flowering is stimulated by daily drops in 4-6 degrees.
In the conditions of my apartment in the summer it happens even higher +30 city., so in the room, where is angrekum, on especially hot days the fan or air conditioner is constantly running.
The orchid requires bright lighting with shading only from the midday sun. Daylight hours - not less 10-12 hours, because to lay the buds, the plant must be in the sun for almost half a day. It is best to keep the angrekum on the south or southeast window. On cloudy autumn and winter days, you will need additional lighting.
IRRIGATION AND FEEDING
I water the orchid with soft water. I use boiled room temperature, sometimes defended, half diluted with distillate. Moisturizing around the edge of the pot, trying, so that the water does not stagnate at the base of the leaves, as it leads to rot. Do not leave water in the axils of the leaves and inside the growth. I blot the excess with a dry napkin. I let the substrate dry between waterings, but don't dry out. I water it in the summer 1 -2 once a week depending on temperature. In winter, I increase the interval to 10 days, I am guided by the state of the substrate.
FOR ANGREKUM, suitable air humidity - 50% and higher. Helps out a humidifier.
During the period of active growth, I feed the orchid with special fertilizers in a half dose every second watering. In winter I stop feeding (the plant does not like an excess of salts in the substrate), although different sources write, that with the end of the growing season they resort to them, reducing the frequency to every third watering.
TRANSFER
For Angrekum, transplanting is a serious stress, after which you have to wait for flowering 1-2 of the year. Therefore, it is carried out no more often, than once in 3-4 of the year. Substrate - pieces of bark 5-6 cm. At the bottom there is a layer of expanded clay drainage 2-3 cm. Coconut chips can be added,some charcoal. Top layer - middle fraction bark 2-3 cm. The surface is covered with moss.
REPRODUCTION
Angrecum seeds are propagated only in industrial greenhouses in compliance with sterility. Vegetatively - lateral processes. Young plants are separated from the mother, only when they develop their own roots at least 5-10 cm. Take root with difficulty, therefore, in general, it is rather difficult to propagate angrekum.
LET THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS
Avoid cold temperatures (below +15-16 city.) and drafts.
Treat pests in a timely manner for prevention.
© Author: Natalia PYLINA, r. Volgograd. Photo by the author
