Notes on Fred Hillerman's talk at May 11th, 1996, AAOS meeting on "Culture of Angraecoids and Other African Orchids."

(Adapted by Neal Foster from a handout that Fred distributed. We'll have notes on other programs in subsequent newsletters.)

Aerangis species - these plants need a free flow of air over their roots, hence most resent potting and will tolerate it only when the media used is loose and permits a considerable passage of air up through the pot. We can separate these species into two groups: (1) Those that are strictly epiphytic and want their roots well exposed: decaryana, fuscata, kotschyana, luteo-alba var. rhodosticta, stylosa; less commonly known species - coriacea, verdickii, somalensis, spiculata; and (2) Those that tolerate some potting, as in coarser mixes like fir bark or loose sphagnum: articulata, modesta, macrocentrum, collum-cygni, platyphylum, ellisii, hyaloides, fastuosa, and citrata - the last three being the most accommodating - safest to pot, and except for the last two, all can be mounted. Culture tips to remember - most mounted species will need more frequent watering; in summer they usually require it several times daily, even up to 4 or 5 times - depending on the humidity. Few will prosper on a once- or twice-a-week watering schedule.

Angraecum species that can be potted or mounted - germinyianum, florulentum, leonis, equitans, elephantium, compactum, eichlerianum, superbum, longicalcar, comorense, giryamae. The last four become very large plants and mounting is not practical. Potting is usually done with coarser media when your plants have grown larger.

Angraecum species that prefer potting, even in semi-terrestrial mixes - magdalenae, protensum, sororium, praestans. These all take higher levels of light and except for praestans can stand considerable chilling and near frost temperatures without harm. Angraecum species that will not tolerate root damage and disturbance are sesquipedale & viguieri. Prior to maturity (flowering), they tolerate repotting, but after flowering it is very risky to injure their roots - they either sulk for years or die if you do.

Aeranthes species (except for henrici & grandiflora) prefer potting, usually in finer mixes, like it more moist and a little less light. Arachnites, caudatus, filipes, longipes, denticulata, ramosa pot well in finer mixes; grandiflora needs medium to coarser mixes and can be mounted; henrici must be mounted.

Phaius species from Madagascar are much smaller plants than their giant S.E. Asian cousins; they also have more colorful flowers and once established are easy to grow. All should be potted in a light terrestrial mix ( Fred uses 1 part peat, 1 part perlite, 1 part leaf mold, and 1 part shredded tree-fern) - they are heavy feeders and like it always moist. Lower light levels for lutes; tuberculoses, franchise, & humblotii, higher light levels for pulcher & perrieri.

Calanthe species from Madagascar are evergreen, vividly colorful, fairly small-sized plants, terrestrial (same mix as with Phaius), somewhat lower light, have rhizomes instead of pseudobulbs and are easy growers; madagascarensis, silvatica, perrieri, repens, & durani are desirable species - however, the last three are still unavailable.

Hybrids: We consider here only primary hybrids - or in a few cases a primary crossed back to a species. So far no secondary hybrid has been successfully made in the angraecoid alliance - no secondaries or tertiaries. The advantage of hybrids can be many - the best advantage being "they are hardcr to kill," are more vigorous and easier to grow. There should always be definite objectives (goals) in mind before making hybrids: to obtain smaller plants, more "floweringness," sturdier spikes, better quality flowers, etc., etc. Some of the best of the angraecoid hybrids are: Angraecum Lemforde, White Beauty, Longiscott, Vigulena, Sesquivig, Cuculena; Aerangis Somasticta, Eurychone Virginie Moulin, Euryangis Victoria Nile, and Angranthes Grandalena.