Ascocentrum ampullaceum

Base Price: $45.00

Intro:
Ascocentrum ampullaceum is a species native to Thailand and surrounding countries such as Laos and Cambodia. This is a very compact growing orchid with stiff leaves that have jagged ends. The leaves also have a natural spotting in mahogany that only increases with brighter light. This is the normal color form produces magenta purple flowers. The flower spikes emerge in March and shoot up at the base of the plant. The flowers last well and are quite showy. Ascocentrum ampullaceum is a great orchid for those with limited space.

Light:
Medium light an east, south or west window is ideal. 1500 to 3500 footcandles is an acceptable range. This plant will also do well under lights.
P.L. Lights systems are a great way to provide artificial light to your orchids. See our P.L. Lights page for more information on this great product we offer.

Temperature:
Intermediate to warm temps with night time lows from 60 to 64 for the winter months and day time highs in the low to mid 70s. Summer months temps can be several degrees warmer.

Humidity:
50% or higher is ideal. The use of humidity trays or room humidifiers is beneficial.
We offer two products that can help increase humidity levels. The humidity tray offered in black or white, and the Mist Maker. Please click on the underlined text for more information on these products.

Water:
It is best to use rainwater, distilled or reverse osmosis water. Municipal water with a pH of 7.5 or lower can also be used. Water as the mix approaches dryness but do not allow the mix to become completely dry between watering. This is especially true when in bud or flower. When not flowering allow the root system to just dry out.
Overwatering can cause several problems such as root rot and infectious bacteria/fungus in the potting medium. One product we offer that can help these problems if caught at an early stage is Phyton 27 bactericide and fungicide.

Fertilizer:
We highly recommend Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle every time you water.

Or, use GrowMore 20-10-20 Ureafree for municipal or well water. Use at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon. If using GrowMore with 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.

Another fertilizer offered is: GrowMore 6-30-30 (Cymbidium and bloom boosting formula).

Flowering:
This species flowers from the March to May months. The purple-magenta flowers are about a half inch in size and are produced on stems that form at the base of the plant between the leaf axils. The spikes are from 6 to 8 inches in size and bear 20 to 35 flowers. The flowers are long lasting and can bloom for a month or more.

Repotting:
These plants can be grown in a medium grade bark mix in pots or they can be grown in small teak baskets. The best time for repotting is after flowering. When grown in teak baskets all one needs to do is simply slide the smaller teak basket plant and all into a larger one and let the roots grow onto it.
We offer several different types of potting medium. Here are direct links to what we believe to be some of the best potting mediums available for orchids: Orchids Limited bark mix, New Zealand sphagnum moss, coco husk, coco peat, sponge rock,charcoal, tree fern fiber, and cork slabs for epiphytic plants.