Angraecum longicalcar grows in the central highlands of Madagascar at altitudes of 1000 to 1200 meters. It occurs in the provinces of Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa where it grows in protected areas.
Angraecum longicalcar also called as The Long Spurred Angraecum, Angraecum eburneum var. longicalcar, is a species of the genus Angraecum. This species was described by Karlheinz Senghas in 1986.
IDENTIFY ANGRAECUM LONGICALCAR ORCHID PLANT
Angraecum longicalcar grows in the central highlands of Madagascar at altitudes of 1000 to 1200 meters. It occurs in the provinces of Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa where it grows in protected areas. In the environs of Analavory around Lake Itasy, this species grows semi-terrestrially or lithophytically on rocky marble outcrops or inselbergs, on west facing slopes, often in almost full sun. These plants grow in association with succulent euphorbias and lilies. In another location, a plant was found growing epiphytically 6 meters above ground in the crotch of tree branches in the gallery forest.
It is a large sized, cool growing lithophyte in xerophytic vegetation with a robust stem carrying several, strap-shaped, glossy, fleshy, unevenly bilobed apically leaves.
The Long Spurred Angraecum blooms in the fall on an axillary, straight to 100 cm long, 8 to 12 flowered inflorescence and carrying long-lasting, spicily fragrant flowers. The flowers are strongly scented, mostly at night.
ANGRAECUM LONGICALCAR ORCHID PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Angraecum longicalcar needs a light level of 30000-45000 lux. Light should be filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Plants will not bloom without good light. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperature:
Summer days temperature at average 28°C, and nights temperature at average 17°C, with a diurnal range of 11°C.
Humidity:
The Long Spurred Angraecum need the humidity of 70-75% in summer and autumn, dropping to 60-65% for about 3 months in late winter and early spring.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Angraecum longicalcar are probably best grown in shallow, well-drained pots or baskets filled with a coarse medium. Coarse fir bark or cork nuggets should work well, perhaps with some coarse perlite added in dry areas.
Repotting should be done just as new roots start to grow. This enables the plant to become reestablished in the shortest possible time.
Watering:
Rainfall is moderate to heavy from late spring to early autumn. Averages then drop rather abruptly in mid-autumn at the beginning of the dry season, that lasts about 5 months until late winter or early spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but drainage must be excellent. Water should be reduced in autumn after new growths mature.
Fertilizer:
1/4-1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. You can 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 temperature at average 22-24°C, and nights average 10-11°C, with a diurnal range of 12-14°C. Angraecum longicalcar plants need much less water in winter, but plants should not be completely without water for long periods. Occasional early-morning misting between infrequent light waterings should be adequate in most growing areas. Water should be increased somewhat if leaves shrivel or show signs of stress. Fertilizer should be eliminated until new growth starts and heavier watering is resumed in spring.
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