Broughtonia cubensis

Broughtonia cubensis is a Cuban native cattleya-like sympodial epiphyte with lightly fragrant small blossoms. This is a second blooming for my plant. It grows in direct sun which is supplemented with a 65 watt compact florescent bulb for those dim days. I water/fertilize it daily.

Aerangis fastuosa

Aerangis fastuosa is a small epiphytic orchid from Madagascar. It is found in nature growing at relatively high elevations (3000 feet above sea-level or more) thus grows as an intermediate in home collections. I grow mine at high humidity with frequent automatic mistings and relatively low light (750-1000 foot candles). I tried higher light, but the leaves turned maroon color. You can see some of the residual coloring in the images above.

Amesiella monticola

This is a cool to warm growing species from the Philippines, growing at the edges of forests. It has a monopodial habit, with linear leathery leaves. It blooms in late winter and typically has up to 5 blossoms, nocturnally fragrant. I am growing this moist (at 90+ percent humidity) and fertilize/water daily with a solution of 125ppm nitrogen fertilizer in RO water. It is being grown at between 1000 and 1500 foot-candles florescent light for 12 hours winter and 15 hours summer.

Dendrobium moniliforme Mangetsu

This little Dendrobium is growing in a 2" pot with fine bark mix. The moniliforme Dendrobiums are just starting out of winter rest, thus the bloom. It grows under 12-13 hours of bright light close to the t5 fluorescents (approx 2000 foot-candles) and 90% humidity.

Aerangis punctata

Aerangis punctata is one of the Angraecoides originating from Madagascar. This recently described epiphytic orchid (1986) is found in the center of the island at about 4600 feet (1400m). It wants strong, diffused light (1200-2000 ft-candles), strong air movement at all times and rather high humidity. Best grown in a humidity-controlled environment.

Blooming Masdevallia

Masd. veitchiana 'Prince de Galle' x Masd. princeps



Masd. Maui Prince (Masd. tonduzil x Masd. princeps)

These are not in the tank, but up in my south window box. While these have nothing to do with growing and blooming orchids in the tank, I think they are beautiful, none-the-less. These are considered "warm-tolerant" Masd. (Masdevallia are in the Pleurothallis association and generally require cool temperatures for growth.) The Masd. I grow are mostly tolerant of temps up to the low 80s (F).

New Angraecoides

Just added 3 new Angraecoides to my collection. New in the tank are Aerangis fastuosa (well, not new - a replacement to one that crapped out!) and Aerangis punctata. Not in the tank (i.e. in my south window grow area) is Angraecum magdalenae. None of the three were purchased in spike. I will have to apply my gardening/growing skills to make this happen. But then, that's what this hobby is all about.