Read more of Cultivation of Angraecum didieri (Baill. ex Finet) Schltr.
Culture :
Light:
1000-2000 fc. Hillerman & Holst (1986) recommended low light levels in winter with high levels in summer. They reported, however, that some plants bloom well in lower light. Plants should be protected from high light, and strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 82–84F (28–29C), and nights average 64–65F (18C), with a diurnal range of 17–20F (9–11C).
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. Average rainfall then drops rapidly into a five–month dry season that starts in late autumn and lasts until early spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but their roots must dry rapidly after watering. Hillerman & Holst (1986) reported misting or drenching the plants daily.
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 use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to one high in phosphates in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Winter days average 72–74F (22–23C), and nights average 52–54F (11–12C), with a diurnal range of 19–22F (11–12C). Rainfall in the habitat is low from autumn to early spring. Humidity is high throughout the year, however, so considerable moisture is available from heavy dew and late-night mist. Cultivated plants need less water from late autumn through winter, but they should be watered periodically to prevent excessive drying. Somewhat regular 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:
Hillerman & Holst (1986) reported their plants were grown on 4 by 8 in. (1 by 2 cm) slabs and drenched almost daily. Some growers report success with growing Angraecum didieri in a teak basket with no media. Plant is watered every morning but is dry in an hour or so. Plant did not bloom when grown in bark and kept evenly moist, but reported grows strongly and blooms every year under these conditions.
Miscellaneous notes:
In the habitat, these plants bloom from spring into summer. One grower reported that plants are grown with day temps near 80F and nights near 52F. They are hung high over an aisle in the greenhouse so that they receive relatively bright light and strong air movement. Long blooming and frequent blooming orchid species.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
