Angraecum sedifolium

Angraecum sedifolium is a miniature to small-sized, cool-growing epiphytic orchid native to Madagascar’s central highlands, where it grows on tree trunks in mossy forests at elevations of 1000–2000 meters. It has a simple stem with many densely arranged, narrowly linear, thick, fleshy, subtriquetrous, and dorsally keeled leaves. This species blooms in late spring and fall, producing single flowers on inflorescences up to 10 cm long.

Care Tips:

Light

• Provide bright, filtered light—similar to what works for Phalaenopsis orchids, avoiding harsh direct sun.

• In greenhouses, shadecloth yielding ~1,000–2,000 foot-candles (10,750–21,500 lumens) is ideal.

Temperature

• Most Angraecums thrive at 55–72 °F (night) and 70–85 °F (day) (12–22 °C and 21–29 °C respectively).

• Room temperature indoors generally works well.

Watering & Humidity

• They prefer wet/dry cycles—thoroughly water, then let the roots begin to dry.

• Water deeply in the morning; don’t allow water to pool in the crown (to avoid rot).

• Humidity isn’t essential, but keeping it at 55–85% can enhance vigor, especially if watering is less frequent.

Potting & Medium

• Use a porous, well-draining orchid bark mix or mount on bark/fiber—avoid soggy media.

• Ideal to pot at a ~45° angle—this encourages roots to grow outward, rather than upward.

• Repot every 1–3 years or when the medium starts breaking down.

Fertilizing

• During active growth, use high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 30-10-10) at half to full strength.

• Apply a blossom-booster (e.g., 10-30-20) when flower spikes are forming.

• Avoid fertilizing in winter.