Read more of Cultivation of Angraecum erectum Summerh.
Culture:
Light:
1200-2300 fc. Light should be rather low and filtered or diffused. Plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 72-78F (22-26C), and nights average 53-54F (12C), with a diurnal range of 19-24F (11-13C).
Humidity:
Averages are not available for this location. Records from nearby stations indicate that over the region averages are 70-75% most of the year, dropping to near 65% for a short period in early spring. In late summer, values increase for a short period before falling to 55-60% for 3 months. However, conditions may well be more humid in the riverine forests of the habitat than is indicated by the data recorded at weather stations.
Water:
The double wet - double dry rainfall pattern depicted in the weather data is common throughout the equatorial regions. The wet seasons occur in spring and autumn, while winter is the primary dry season with a secondary dry season occurring in summer. It is not known whether or not the double rainfall cycle is important to the health or blooming of this species. However, it does play an important role as the bloom trigger for other plants that originate in areas with the same rainfall pattern. Cultivated plants should be kept moist during periods corresponding to the wet seasons. They should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings during the dry seasons, but should never dry out completely or be left dry for extended periods.
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 67-70F (19-21C), and nights average 53-54F (12C), with a diurnal range of 14-16F (8-9C). Rainfall is low during a 4-month period in winter and for 2 months in summer. However, high humidity in the stream-side habitat and nightly cooling results in some moisture being available from dew. In cultivation, these conditions may be simulated by occasional to somewhat regular early-morning mistings, with light waterings given every two weeks or so. Plants should be watched carefully for signs of stress while water is reduced, particularly in summer. Water should be increased if such signs appear.
Growing media:
Plants are probably more easily managed if mounted tightly to a bark or cork slab. If mounted, however, high humidity must be maintained and the plants watered at least once daily in summer. Several waterings a day may be necessary for mounted plants during extremely hot, dry weather. Plants may also be grown in pots or baskets, but the medium should be open and fast-draining to allow the roots to dry rapidly after watering. The medium should never be allowed to become stale or soggy. Repotting or dividing should be done only when new root growth is just starting. This allows the plant to become established in the shortest possible time with the least amount of stress.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
