Angraecoids are a beautiful group of orchids spread across Madagascar, Central Africa, and coastal island chains like the Comoros. The common genera in the group are Angraecum, Aerangis, and Aerides. Many of the species associated with this group produce graceful, star-shaped white flowers with proportionally long nectaries. These nectaries provide food for the moths which are attracted to them by the sweet, often jasmine-like night fragrances of these orchids. The Angraecinae contains species both large and small. The famous Darwin's Orchid, Angraecum sesquipedale, a large, showy species, is best known for the relationship between its massive flowers and their co-evolved moth pollinator. A number of stunning species in the genus Aerangis are miniature or compact in size, such as Aerangis luteo-alba and Aerangis punctata. Temperature and light requirements for Angraecoids vary somewhat between species, but most tend to prefer intermediate to warm temperatures.
Light and Shade
We have found that Angraecoids grow well under semi-shaded light (around 2000 foot-candles), although they will tolerate bright light up to 3000 footcandles when mature. We recommend growing in east or west-facing windows. South-facing windows should only be used if shielded from the sun using a sheer curtain. If temperature highs remain below these orchid's limits, then Angraecoids can be grown outside from June to late fall in areas with filtered light, such as through a pine tree or shrub in early morning or afternoon. Be careful not to exposure these orchids to prolonged direct sunlight, as the leaves may sunburn easily. If using artificial light to grow indoors, LEDs are the best option. The artificial light market has expanded greatly in recent years, so a quick Google search will result in a variety of lighting options and price ranges.
Temperature and Humidity
Angraecoids prefer a day temperature range between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C). At night there should be at least a 10°F (6°C) drop, as Angraecoids enjoy nighttime lows from 58°F to 62°F (14°C to 17°C). This lower night temperature will help initiate flower buds in fall and spring. Keep in mind, these are not frost-tolerant plants, and should not be exposed to temperatures below 35°F (2°C). Angraecoids benefit from humidity levels of 50% to 70%. This can be achieved at home with the use of a humidifier or a humidity tray. Just make sure that the plant is not standing in water or the roots will rot.
Watering
These orchids are commonly grown on slabs. If grown bare root, Angraecoids should be wetted or misted daily. If the leaves begin to shrivel, increase your watering frequency. For potted Angraecoids, or those mounted on sphagnum moss, plants should be watered once the media has dried entirely. This generally occurs every 7 days from the previous watering. If in doubt, do not water and wait another day or two. Remember that small plants in clay pots can dry out within a couple of days. Plants should never stand in water. Make sure to water more often when Angraecoids are about to bloom, and throughout the blooming period. When repotting your Angraecoids during the active growing season, do not water the media for at least 3 days. This allows cuts and breaks in the roots to callous and avoid rotting upon being watered.
We always recommend watering in the morning, as this gives the leaves time to dry and avoid bacterial growth overnight. If possible, use water low in alkalinity, such as rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. If you have a dehumidifier in your home, the water that collects in the tray is excellent for watering orchids.
Feeding
We highly recommend Green Jungle Orchid Food, specially formulated to provide orchids with the nutrients they would naturally encounter in their wild habitats. This is the fertilizer that we developed to use on our own plants in production, with excellent results for decades! This formula works best with water low in alkalinity (such as rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water). However, you may use tap water, keeping in mind that mineral buildup will require repotting more frequently, on the order of every 1 to 2 years.
If potting in bark mix, fertilize every time you water during the growing season, flushing with non-softened water once a month. This rinses the media of salt and mineral buildup. During periods of inactive growth, fertilize every other watering. If potting in sphagnum moss, fertilize every 3rd watering year round.
Potting
Angraecoids can be grown mounted or in pots. For most household conditions, pots are best because they hold more moisture around the roots, using New Zealand Sphagnum Moss or the Medium grade of our Traditional Orchid Bark Mix if grown in pots. If mounted on a cork slab, we recommend doing so on a bed of New Zealand Sphagnum Moss.
To avoid the transfer of orchid diseases, it is standard procedure to sterilize all cutting and potting instruments before using them on a plant. This can be done by flaming pruning shears with a butane torch, or by spraying with rubbing alcohol and wiping with a clean paper towel.
In general, repotting should be done every 2 years in the spring. Repotting becomes necessary when the plant has outgrown its pot and the new growth reaches out over the edge, or when the potting medium has broken down. When repotting, choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate 2 or 3 years growth. Grab the plant near the base of the pot and start by gently, but firmly, pulling the plant out of its old pot. When growing in clay pots, it is sometimes easiest to simply take a hammer and break the clay pot. Do not worry about breaking or cracking roots, this will not harm the plant long term. If the mix is old, crumbly and sour, carefully remove the media and rinse the root system. Trim off any dead roots and dead leaves. Position the plant with its base to the edge of the new pot. Then, spreading the plant roots out, fill in the space with the potting medium. Press down firmly with each handful so that the plant does not wobble around. Build up the compost until the plant rests with its rhizome on the surface, about a half-inch below the rim of the pot.
Pest Control
The main pest that Angraecoids attract are mealybugs, which will hide in the leaf axis. The best treatment for mealybug is either a homemade pesticide of 1:1 parts water & rubbing alcohol, with a few drops of dish soap added. Spray the plants every few days, washing off the dead bugs in between. For large outbreaks, an application of a specially formulated pesticide spray every few days is more effective.