Angraecum Magdalenae is a gorgeous exotic species of the Orchid family that is endemic to Madagascar and its nearby mountain ranges. This low-maintenance orchid is a common houseplant, and it is grown indoors for its beautiful foliage and sweet-scented flowers. As it is a hardy species and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, this stunning plant can be placed in several places indoors. You can adorn your living room, kitchen window sill, bedroom, or terrarium with the medium-sized plant. Let’s learn more about this orchid species.
Angraecum Magdalenae Classification
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Subfamily: Epidendroideae
- Genus: Angraecum
Origin and Distribution
This plant is native to Madagascar, where it grows on mountain ranges along the east coast. This species was originally spotted on Mount Ibity, where Antsirabe is on the north of it.
Angraecum MagdalenaeAppearance
Foliage
The leaves of this plant are green-colored and unequally bilobed. The leaves are oblong to linguate in shape and modify to produce floral bracts in summers.
Angraecum Magdalenae Flowering
The blooming time of this plant varies according to the growth zone in which it is growing. In Madagascar, it blooms from mid-December to mid-February, while in northern regions, it blooms from May to August. The plant produces floral bracts that arise from the leaves. Around 1 to 5 white-colored and jasmine-scented flowers bloom on each floral bract.
Size
In its natural habitat, this plant grows as tall as 14 inches. If grown indoors or in-home gardens, its height reduces. It attains a mature height of just 10 inches indoors.
Angraecum Magdalenae Care
Quick Guide
- Watering: Daily.
- Soil type and pH: Well-draining potting medium, pH neutral.
- Sunlight: Semi-shady.
- Temperature: 18-24°C
- Humidity: 75% to 80%
- Fertilizer: Every 2 to 3 weeks.
Let’s get into the details.
Angraecum Magdalenae Watering Requirements
This orchid species prefers daily watering, mainly in summers and at the end of spring. This plant prefers to stay damp but not soggy. Its soil dries quickly in summers, so it needs more watering on those hotter days. In winters, you should water this plant on alternate days.
Every day when its soil starts to get dry, water the plant thoroughly with lukewarm water. Keep adding water until excess water begins to drip from the drainage hole. If the water does not drip and keep filling in the pot, it can cause root rot. So make sure the drainage hole is not clogged.
Soil Requirements
As this plant needs daily watering, it must be grown in a well-draining potting mix so that no extra water is retained in the soil pockets. The ideal potting mix is the one that is fast-draining and well-aerated. We have a secret recipe for preparing the best potting mix for Angraecum Magdalenae; let us share that with you!
Mix 5 parts fir bark with 3 parts perlite. Then add 1 part crushed sphagnum moss with a small amount of redwood fiber. If you grow your plant in this specially prepared potting mix, your plant will thank you for it!
Angraecum Magdalenae Sunlight
Angraecum Magdalenae prefers semi-shade inside a home. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight. It needs 4 to 6 hours of sunlight exposure to bloom and grow properly. This plant should be placed near an east or north-facing window, where it can receive sufficient sunlight throughout the day. In these two spots, this plant can also get morning and evening sunshine, which is also essential for its healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
This lovely plant prefers moderate temperature. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 18°C to 24°C. This plant stays the happiest in a cooler spot. High heat or excessive warmth can burn its leaves. It is recommended that this plant must be placed in a room where the average temperature falls by 4°C by night. However, protect this plant from cold drafts and frost; it is not winter-hardy. Also, it should not be placed near a fan or an air conditioner.
Humidity
Humidity plays a great role in the plant’s healthy growth. If the average room humidity falls below the plant’s needs, the foliage starts to lose its freshness and becomes droopy. This is why regulating the amount of moisture in the surrounding air is important for this plant’s growth. The optimum humidity level for Angraecum Magdalenae is 75-80%. It is quite higher than the usual household humidity. Use a humidifier or a pebble tray to increase the humidity levels around this plant. Grouping this plant with other houseplants also helps in increasing the amount of moisture in the air.
Fertilizer
Angraecum Magdalenae is a heavy feeder. On normal days, it should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks, but in the season of active growth, feed it every 7 days. This feeding must be stopped when the winter arrives, as this plant goes dormant in colder months.
The best fertilizer for this plant is the one that has nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal amounts (NPK). If such a balanced fertilizer is not available, you can also use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen content.
Grooming and Pruning
This plant can be pruned or trimmed to limit its size; otherwise, there is no need for pruning at all. At the beginning of the growing season, remove all the dead leaves and branches to encourage new growth. For pruning purposes, you should use disinfected tools. You can disinfect your gardening tools by rubbing and wiping them with ethanol or isopropyl.
How to Propagate Angraecum Magdalenae
This plant is propagated through the division method. However, propagation can only be done when the plant has grown much larger in size. It is because it produces only one sprout where new growth takes place. If your plant has reached its mature height and has produced offshoots, only then can you propagate it? The best time to divide the plant and propagate is the season of active growth. Here is how its propagation is done:
- Gently take out the plant from its pot.
- Shake off any excess soil.
- Untangle its roots using a pencil or your fingers.
- Place the plant on a wooden board.
- Use a sharp knife to divide the plant into two.
- The baby division should be 1/3rd of the size of the mother plant.
- Plant both parts into separate pots.
- Water them and place them in a well-lit spot.
Angraecum Magdalenae Basic Features
Growth rate
This pretty orchid species has a slow growth rate. Once planted, its new leaves appear after three months. The flowers also take a longer time to bloom than the other houseplants. Its growth rate can be increased by placing it in a cooler spot.
Its best-suited growth zones are 9 through 11.
Angraecum Magdalenae Toxicity
This plant is mildly toxic to humans and pets. You should keep your pets and children away from this orchid.
Drought tolerance
It is an extremely drought-resistant plant. It can easily survive through the days of no water availability. The foliage and roots keep saving water until any harsh situation comes. In the case of a drought, this plant goes dormant and consumes its stored water. This is how it survives droughts.
Maintenance
Angraecum Magdalenae is a great plant to grow indoors as it requires minimal care and attention. It is a low-maintenance species that can be grown even by beginners. Although orchids are hard to care for, this plant is comparatively easy to maintain. So if you wish to grow an orchid, you should go for this one.
Angraecum Magdalenae Dormancy
Just like every other orchid species, this plant goes dormant in winters when the temperature drops below the average range. During these days, cut down the water frequency and do not fertilize the plant at all. If the temperature and light levels are regulated and kept the same as summers, this plant would not go dormant.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Diseases
Several diseases can affect this plant if it is not cared for properly. Black rot, botrytis, foliar blights, leaf spot, and several other fungal diseases attack this plant species. These diseases also affect this plant due to its high level of humidity. So, high humidity is a necessary evil. You can prevent these diseases by keeping the foliage dry. This is why you should never mist the leaves.
Angraecum Magdalenae Pests
The humidity also welcomes more pests. Mites, scales, mealybugs, and aphids are common pests of this plant. These pests suck sap from the leaves and stem and leave the plant weakened. You can get rid of these pests by rubbing the foliage with neem oil. Spraying insecticidal spray on the foliage also keeps such insects at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions about Angraecum Magdalenae
Why Does My Plant Has Brown Spots on It?
These spots can be due to a fungal attack. These spots might seem like sunburnt parts, but too much sun is never the reason. In such a case, relocate the plant to a place where there is good air circulation.
Why Are the Leaves of My Plant Dropping All of a Sudden?
Irregular watering is the main reason for the sudden dropping of the leaves. You are watering your plant so much. You should let the soil dry completely and then regulate the watering schedule.
Why Is My Plant Not Blooming?
This plant needs a cooler temperature to bloom. If your plant is not blooming, this means it is in a warmer room than it needs to be. You should either lower the room temperature or change its location. This plant needs a colder temperature to produce blooms and keep them.
Conclusion
Want to get a low-maintenance orchid for your houseplants collection? Angraecum Magdalenae is a perfect choice for you! This beautiful plant from the orchid family produces attractive white-colored flowers that fill up a room with an intoxicating smell. These flowers bloom at various times in a year and keep spreading pleasant vibes inside a home. Even if you do not have any experience in growing an orchid, this plant will not give you a hard time. It is a great low-maintenance orchid plant to have inside a home!
