Vivi's Orchid Corner January 2000 - Volume 5, Issue 1 Millennial Stars: The Angreacums Dear Orchid Friends: Star shaped flowers...beckoning to us, signaling a new beginning. A tantalizing genus...so exotic and enticing. Spicy, aromatic, citrusy and heady. These are the fragrances of which I dream when I think of Angraecum orchids. The Angraecum genus includes nearly 200 species that adapt to a wide range of climates and altitudes. Angreacums are native to the African Tropics, Madagascar and the Seychelle Islands. Some of the more showy species originate from Madagascar. Common characteristics of the Angraecum include waxy, white flowers, long nectaries, pollination by a specific moth, and generally are night fragrant. Ivory, creamy white, milky white and slight green tinges are the colors of the flowers. The long nectary is one of the more distinguishing characteristics of these orchids. Angraecums resemble vandas, have many of the same properties, and many belong to the subtribe Vandaecea. Thus, Angraecums like conditions similar to Vandas and Cattleyas in terms of light requirements, yet love the moisture and water more suited to Phalaenopsis. Charles Darwin studied how plants and orchids attract insects for pollination via their nectar and fragrances, and hypothesized that a moth with a long proboscis pollinated the Angraecum orchid. Decades later, scientists did validate this hypothesis. The fragrance of Angraecums is usually classified as "white florals." Dr. Roman Kaiser, a renowned fragrance and flavor chemist at Givaudan-Roure Research, Switzerland, has studied the fragrances and properties of scents and has classified all the Angraecum scents as varying degrees of "white florals.'. Supposedly, a French researcher, named Bory de Saint Vincent, categorized the Angraecums in 1804. Flowers of the Angraecum orchids are extremely diverse in size, fragrance, growth habits. Sizes range from miniatures to the 5 inch "stars" of the A. sesquipedale. This species is one of the most popular. Flowers are showy and this orchid generally blooms in winter around Christmas time. It is nick-named "The Star of Bethlehem". Other species can flower at various times of the year. Care of Angraecums: Temperatures: The Angraecums tolerate a broad range of temperatures and adapt well to cool environments, intermediate and warm environments. Angraecums like a higher humidity of 60 - 80% and temperatures between 57 - 85 F. There are s few species require chilling weather for at least three months (A. sororium, A. protensum). Light: Many varieties enjoy high light which is why they can be grown with Vandas and Cattleyas. Generally however, they grow well in phalaenopsis-like light with more shade than sun. Watering: Give considerable amounts of water. Angraecums like "feet like phals"... they definitely like to stay moist. These orchids are sensitive to salt and fertilizer buildup, so flush well. Fertilizer: Many growers recommend a 20-10-10 or 30-10-10 fertilizer solution year round. Generally, fertilize once every 3-4 weeks in the winter and every 2 weeks in spring and summer. Flush plants well after fertilizing to reduce salt buildup. Here is a small list of a few interesting species included in the Angraecum genus: A. bosseri: identified in 1970's, resembles A. sesquipedale, only smaller, fragrance labeled as "spicy-white floral:, originates in Madagascar. A. distichum: miniature star shaped flowers, small curved leaves giving a braided look, native to tropical eastern Africa. A. eburneum: heavy plants that branch freely, flowers in winter and is fragrant, white flowers with slender green sepals, from Seychelles Islands. A. eichlerianum: grows as a climbing plant to heights of 6 feet, flowers are greenish with a white lip, usually flowers in summer, are long lasting, native to western Africa. A. magdalenae: has white, waxy flowers, lip is broad and comes to a point. It likes cooler temperatures and can be grown under lights, produces keikis near base, flowers in summer. A. scottianum: flowers are upside down, creamy white to ivory color, has terete leaves and grows to nearly 2 feet in height, flowers in fall. A. sesquipedale: the queen of Angraecums, large star shaped white flowers, heady aroma, characteristically long spurs, showy plant, from Madagascar, blooms in winter, "The Star of Bethlehem". Exotic - and what appeal! The flowers glisten and are heavy with fragrance. Something definitely lures and makes one think of faraway lands. These "Stars" symbolize new beginnings, intrigue and hope for the future. Therefore, Angraecums are the perfect orchid to symbolize the start of the New Year and the New Millennium. Stars to brighten our paths. Best wishes for a bright year filled with adventure and excitement! Happy new year! Until next time, Vivi

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