Read more of Cultivation of Angraecum viguieri Schltr.
Culture:
Light:
2500-3500 fc. Light should be rather bright but filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times. Hillerman & Holst (1986) reported, "Light levels can be quite low and still promote blooming, although it can tolerate, and seems to benefit from, higher levels.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 75-76F (24C), and nights average 63-64F (17-18C), with a diurnal range of 12F (7C).
Humidity:
Near 85% most of the year, dropping to near 80% for 2-3 months in spring.
Water:
Rainfall is very heavy most of the year. Amounts decrease somewhat for a month or so in spring, but the habitat is never truly dry. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but conditions around the roots should never become stale or soggy.
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 65-67F (18-19C), and nights average 54-56F (12-13C), with a diurnal range of 10-12F (6-7C). Hillerman & Host (1986), however, reported that plants also grow well under warm conditions. In winter, water should be reduced somewhat for most cultivated plants, especially those grown in the dark, short-day conditions common in temperate latitudes. They should never be allowed to dry out completely, however. If water is reduced, fertilizer should also be reduced.
Growing media:
Because these plants are particularly sensitive to having their roots disturbed, they probably are best grown mounted tightly to a tree-fern or cork slab. If mounted, however, high humidity must be maintained and the plants drenched daily in summer as long as they are able to dry off by night. Several waterings a day may be necessary for mounted plants during extremely hot, dry weather. Plants may also be grown in pots or baskets filled with fine to medium fir bark. The medium should not become extremely dry, but it 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
