Ansellia africana

This orchid is an Epiphyte, which means that the whole plant, roots and all, grow above ground, attached to the branches of trees. The roots, which anchor the plant to the tree, are specially adapted to absorb water and nutrients very quickly. An unusual feature are the needle-like roots pointing upwards which form in a dense mass around the pseudobulbs and catch the rotting leaves and detritus upon which the plant feeds

Light & Water

This plant prefers medium to high light from 2,500 to 5,000 foot candles. and their relatives  require a good amount of light. They enjoyfull sun in the morning, but will require shading from about 11am-3pm; less shading will be necessary in the late afternoon. Their leaves should be a light green color, and a darker green color indicates too little sun. Basically, Ansellia grow best when their potting medium becomes dry in between waterings. These plants are epiphytes in nature, and are used to drying out between the rains of their natural habitat.

Temperature:
This plant prefers intermediate to warm temperatures with daytime highs being from 70 to 90 F (22 to 32C. )Winter night time lows should be from 58 to 64 F. (14 to 18C ) Summer temps can be a few degrees warmer.

Humidity:
60% or higher is ideal. These plants love humidity in the summer months but will tolerate drier are in the winter. The use of humidity trays or humidifiers is very beneficial. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather


Feeding & Repot

Ansellia use 20-10-20 Ureafree for municipal or well water. Use at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon. If using rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, add back in 5 - 10% municipal or well water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize every other watering in the summer and every third watering in the winter.
Repot this plant just after flowering when the new growths are emerging at the base. Keep somewhat drier at the roots for the first month after repotting. Use a medium grade bark mix and clay pots for best results Repot every two to three years from February to June with a well-draining medium. Fine bark is suitable in mild summer climates, while a finer medium Orchid Mix works well in warmer summer areas.High nitrogen fertilizers should be used from February until July, while low nitrogen fertilizers should be used from August until January.

    Bulbophyllum

This orchid is an Epiphyte and the largest genus of orchids with over 1805 species it is also the most geographically diverse. The name Bulbophyllum is taken from the Greek bulbos, a bulb, and phyllon a leaf. This refers to the leaf that grows on top of each pseudobulb   they vary considerably in their distribution, and in climatic variations   they have variations in habit of growth, and size of flower. Some blooms have an attractive perfume, others have a repulsive odour. Nevertheless, many others have no scent at all.All plants in the genus are epiphytic,                    

Most  Bulbophyllum , And CIRRHOPETALUMS, are easier to grow mounted and to us present a more natural appearance. Most are rambling growers and resent being disturbed; however, they do not seem to mind an occassional clipping of a few unruly leads to keep them neat.

Light & Water

 Bulbophyllum This plant prefers medium to high light from 2,500 to 5,000 foot candles ,and their relatives  require a good amount of light. They enjoyfull sun in the morning, but will require shading from about 11am-3pm; less shading will be necessary in the late afternoon. Their leaves should be a light green color, and a darker green color indicates too little sun. 

 Basically, Bulbophyllum grow best when their potting medium becomes dry in between waterings. These plants are epiphytes in nature, and are used to drying out between the rains of their natural habitat.