Read more of Cultivation of Angraecum calceolus Thouars,
Culture:
Light:
2500-3500 fc. Light should be somewhat filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 84-86F (29-30C), and nights average 66-67F (19C), with a diurnal range of 17-20F (10-12C). Because of the large area of distribution and the wide range in habitat elevation, these plants should adapt to conditions 6-8F (3-4C) warmer or cooler than indicated. This is reflected by growers who report that Angraecum calceolus is very adaptable but seems to grow best at intermediate temperatures.
Humidity:
75-80% most of the year, dropping to 65-70% for about 4 months in late winter and spring.
Water:
Rainfall is moderate to very heavy from late spring to autumn. Averages then drop rapidly into a 5-month dry season extending from late autumn to early spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but their roots must be able to dry rapidly after watering. Water should be greatly reduced in midautumn.
Fertilizer:
1/4–1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. Many growers prefer to use a balanced fertilizer throughout the year, but others prefer to use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to a high-phosphate formula in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Winter days average 74-76F (23-24C), and nights average 54-56F (12-13C), with a diurnal range of 19-22F (11-12C). Rainfall in the habitat is low from autumn to early spring. Humidity remains high throughout the year, however, so considerable additional moisture is available from heavy dew and late-night mist. Water should be greatly reduced for cultivated plants during winter, but plants should not remain completely without water for long periods. Occasional early-morning mistings between infrequent light waterings should provide sufficient moisture in most growing areas. Water should be increased somewhat if leaves shrivel or show signs of stress. Fertilizer should be eliminated until new growth starts and heavier watering is resumed in spring.
Growing media:
Plants may be grown in well-drained containers or mounted on cork or tree-fern slabs. Mounted plants need high humidity, and during hot, dry weather, they may require several waterings a day. Many growers find it difficult to keep mounted plants moist enough, so plants often are grown in pots or baskets using a very open, fast draining medium. Some use medium-sized fir bark or shredded tree-fern fiber and add chunky perlite to help keep the medium open and also retain some moisture. Including charcoal in the mix also helps hold the medium open and keeps it from becoming sour. Plants should be repotted immediately if the medium starts to break down or once every few years if the plant outgrows its pot. Repotting done just as new roots start to grow enables the plant to become reestablished in the shortest possible time.
Miscellaneous notes:
This is one of only a few Angraecum species common to both the African mainland as well as Madagascar and nearby islands in the Indian Ocean.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
