About
Ansellia africana is a sizable, epiphytic orchid characterized by its evergreen foliage and upright, cane-like pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulb supports six to seven leathery, green leaves arranged alternately on its upper section. The lanceolate leaves measure between 15 to 50 cm in length and 1.5 to 5 cm in width. The height of the plant can vary, with pseudobulbs typically ranging from 50 to 120 cm tall. From the upper nodes of mature pseudobulbs, flowering stems can rise up to 85 cm, bearing several 2-3 cm flowers. These blossoms are predominantly yellow, often marked with irregular dark brown spots that differ in size and concentration.
About the genus
This genus comprises a solitary species of perennial orchid, which can be either epiphytic or, on occasion, terrestrial. It is indigenous to southern and tropical Africa and features wide, pointed green leaves. The flowers, characterized by a distinctive 'leopard print' pattern in yellow and dark red, emerge on elongated stems. Variability in size and coloration is notable within this genus.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Native to
- Tropical Africa
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, coarse bark-based orchid mix with addition of perlite and coconut chips. Provide bright light conditions, but shade from hot, direct mid-day sun. Ideal temperatures are 15°C minimum in winter and up to maximum 28 °C during summer day. Water and feed plants regularly during the growing season. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting too wet. Provide enough humidity by regular misting. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months and keep in a bright, sunny position. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years. The plant should only be re-potted when the new growth appears in spring. See also indoor orchid cultivation.
- Pruning
- No pruning required.
- Propagation
- Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free.