About
Ansellia africana 'Chlorantha' is a sizable, evergreen orchid that grows as an epiphyte, characterized by its upright, cane-like pseudobulbs which can reach heights of up to 120 cm. Each pseudobulb displays six or seven leathery, green leaves that are arranged alternately along the upper section, persisting for two or more seasons. The lance-shaped leaves can measure as much as 40 cm in length and 4 cm in width. From the upper nodes of mature canes, either leafed or leafless, arise upright flowering stems that can grow up to 85 cm tall, each showcasing numerous pale yellow flowers that are sparsely spaced and measure 2-3 cm across.
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
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.