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Angraecoid Alliance

Angraecoid is an alliance of orchids that originates primarily in Africa including adjacent islands like Madagascar. These star shaped flowers take on colors ranging from creamy green to white. They come in various sizes, from dwarf orchids measuring only several inches tall to giant orchids that can be 6 feet (185 cm.) or more in height. There are plenty of Angraecoids that are in the right size range for home orchid growers. These fragrant orchids emit their sweet scent at night or in the early morning during which they are pollinated. Many of the wild species from this alliance are under threat from habitat destruction. Fortunately, these orchids can be easily grown from the seed by professional orchid growers, although they do take several years to grow to maturity.

Angraecoids require an environment that will simulate their native tropical and subtropical environment. They need warm temperatures of 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during the day and at least 60°F (16°C) at night. Humidity must be high, at least 50%, and moderate to very bright light is required. If grown in a windowsill, a southern or eastern exposure will work well. Regular watering and fertilizing are needed during active growth. Make sure that the water you use is pure with no or very little salt content.

The growth type of Angraecoids is monopodial, and cultivating them can be easy to intermediate difficulty. They have sensitive roots that do not like being disturbed so do not move them unnecessarily. The smaller ones will do well mounted on bark while the bigger ones can be potted. If the growing environment is just right for your Angraecoid, you will be rewarded with lush, dark green foliage and a lot of lovely flowers.

Within the Angraecoid alliance, the genera Angraecum and Aerangis are the most popular and each are discussed below.

Angraecum

Angraecum is a large genus and one of the first African orchids to be chronicled and categorized. This genus was established in 1804, and its name is actually a Latinized form of the Malayan word angurek, which is used to describe orchids that have a growth habit similar to the genus Vanda. Many species that formerly belonged to this genus have now been reclassified under other genera like the Aerangis and Jumella.

There are over 200 species belonging to the Angraecum genus today. One particular species, the Angraecum sequipedal (Star of Bethlehem, King of Angraecums), is particularly famous because of Charles Darwin. This orchid can span up to 3 feet (92 cm.) tall and bear flowers that are 4-1/2 inches (11 cm.) across with a spur of up to 15 inches (38 cm.) long. This prompted Charles Darwin to postulate that there might exist a night flying moth with a 12-inch (30 cm.) tongue to allow it to harvest the nectar from such a big flower and pollinate it in the process. At that time, the science community thought this was an absurd hypothesis. But 35 years after Darwin's death, he was proven right when a hawk moth with a 12-inch (30 cm.) tongue was discovered as a pollinator of this orchid.

Angraecums are typically monopodial and epiphytic. The culture for Angraecums slightly varies depending on their natural habitat. Those Angreacums that occur naturally in mountainous and cooler habitats need a cooler temperature and more shade compared to those orchids growing in the lowlands which require a warmer temperature and more sun. The ideal potting material must be a well-draining epiphytic mix which may contain tree fern, coco chunks, bark or osmunda.

Aerangis

Orchids belonging to Aerangis genus are among the most beautiful white-colored vandaceous orchids in Africa. Flowers of Aerangis orchids have long curving nectaries or spurs at the base of the lip that resemble shooting stars. The name Aerangis was coined from two Greek words aer (air) and angos (vessel) in reference to this said nectariferous spur.

It was only in 1865 when this genus was founded that some species from the Angraecum genus were reclassified as Aerangis. The distinguishing characteristics of this genus were the long slender rostellum (the part at the tip of the column) stretching forward from below the column apex right across the stigmatic surface, and the long slender stipe (the stalk-like elongation of the receptacle of the flower) located on the upper surface of this rostellum and supporting the two pollinia. Today, there are about 51 species and a few natural hybrids recognized in the Aerangis genus.

An Aerangis orchid is relatively easy to grow. It prefers bright diffused light. Careful management is critical however during its dormant period after it has bloomed. If watering is insufficient, it may lose its leaves and dry out. If it is sprayed too frequently or if cold water is used, it may lose its leaves too and die. All species in this genus grow well in pots or in wood baskets. Use any potting medium that is suitable for epiphytic orchids. Note that those orchids with finer roots need potting media that have smaller particles and retain moisture better than those orchids with thicker roots. All species can also be mounted using bark or cork. If they are mounted, they must be placed in an area with shade and high humidity.

Michael Anderson is co-author with Steve Frowine (author of four orchid books including the Orchid title of a well known series) of the web site, UncutOrchids. For a free, 40-part video course on orchid care, click now on this URL: UncutOrchids [UncutOrchids]. Michael lives in the enchanting town of Guanajuato, Mexico, where he also offers .