ANGRAECUM       (They are  epiphytes)

The Angraecum family of orchids is native to the tropical and sub-tropical lowlands of Africa and Madagascar. Most are moth pollinated therefore they have predominately white flowers that exude wonderful fragrances at night

LIGHT:

2500-4000 fc. Plants may tolerate as much as 50% unlight if gradually introduced to the higher levels. Plants will bloom under a wide range of light levels, however, and high light is not necessary or recommended.

TEMPERATURE:

 Summer days average 88-90F (31-32C), and nights average 75F (24C), with a diurnal range of 13-15F (7-8C). Conditions throughout the year for the Comoro Islands form average about 10F (6C)

HUMIDITY & WATERING 

75-85% from summer into autumn, decreasing to near 65% in winter and spring.thrive on abundant and regular watering. Good watering once a week should be sufficient for plants in larger containers. When plants have finished growing towards the end of summer in August you can give them a 2-3 week rest, and at that time it is only necessary to spray the compost so that it does not dry out too much. In the plants native habitat, this is the season of drought a condition essential for inducing the inflorescence
 Rainfall is moderate to heavy from summer to early autumn.
Cultivated plants should be watered sufficiently to keep the foliage plump and firm. If leaves become shriveled or wrinkled, water more often, or move the plant to an area where it is misted more frequently during the summer. The summer wet season is followed immediately by a very dry season from late autumn into spring when conditions are so dry that even dew is uncommon. The dry season for the Cormoro Island form is neither quite so long or as severe as indicated for the Madagascan form.

FERTILIZER:

A balanced fertilizer, mixed at 1/4-1/2 recommended strength,
should be applied weekly during periods of active growth. Many growers use
a fertililzer with lower nitrogen and higher phosphate in autumn. This
improves blooming the next season and encourages new growths to harden
before winter. Pots should be leaached every few weeks to prevent salt
buildup, especially when fertilizer is being applied most heavily. Plants
should first be watered normally to disolve any accumulated salts. An hour
or so later, the medium is flushed with water equal to about twice the
volume of the pot. Year-round leaching is important in areas with heavily
mineralized water.

Plant and Flower Information:

 A medium sized epiphyte that grows to 6-8 in. (15-20 cm) wide, and is usually less than 6 in. (15 cm) tall. While usually a monopod with a short, stout stem, secondary growths will occasionally be made from near the base of the stem. All measurements given are for the
Madagascan form. The Comoro Island form may be as much as twice the size indicated.


 

     ZYGOPETALUM    (They are  epiphytes)

ZYGOPETALUM (Zye-go-pet-a-lum) - This handsome, glossy-leaved orchid hails from low to mid elevation regions of South America. Of the 15 species of Zygopetalum, many are terrestrial. With multiple blooms that often in flower for 8 weeks, they make excellent cut flowers and are used commercially for this purpose. The pseudobulbs are eventually deciduous. This orchid's generic name is derived from the Greek term for "yoked petal," referring to the yoke-like growth at the base of the flower lip.

LIGHT:

1500-2500 fc.  need filtered light or moderate shading or morning sun. Full sun in the afternoon can be harmful and will burn the foliage.

TEMPERATURE:

Summer end winter  They prefer temperature range of the following: Daytime 60 - 85 F(20-30 C) degrees, night temperature 40 - 60 F(6-16 C) degrees.

HUMIDITY & WATERING 

75-85% from summer into autumn, decreasing to near 65% in winter and spring. thrive on abundant and regular watering. Good watering once a week should be sufficient for plants in larger containers. When plants have finished growing towards the end of summer in August you can give them a 2-3 week rest, and at that time it is only necessary to spray the compost so that it does not dry out too much. In the plants native habitat, this is the season of drought a condition essential for inducing the inflorescence

Rainfall is moderate to heavy from summer to early autumn.
Cultivated plants should be watered sufficiently to keep the foliage plump and firm. If leaves become shriveled or wrinkled, water more often, or move the plant to an area where it is misted more frequently during the summer. The summer wet season is followed immediately by a very dry season from late autumn into spring when conditions are so dry that even dew is uncommon. The dry season for the Cormoro Island form is neither quite so long or as severe as indicated for the Madagascan form.

Feeding:

High nitrogen fertilizers (25-9-9) should be used from February until July, while low nitrogen fertilizers (6-25-25) should be used from August until January. Feed one teaspoon to a gallon of water once a month.