Introducing the rare and exquisite Ancistrochilus rothschildianus, a jewel of the African tropics. Native to the lush rainforests of equatorial Africa, from Sierra Leone to southern Nigeria, and even reaching into the heart of Uganda, this epiphytic orchid captivates with its delicate beauty and captivating fragrance.
Description: Ancistrochilus rothschildianus is a small to medium-sized epiphyte, typically standing 15-35 cm tall. Its clustered pseudobulbs, ranging up to 5 cm in diameter, are adorned with slender leaves, reaching 10-40 cm in length. During the winter, summer, and fall, this remarkable orchid bursts into bloom, boasting 2 to 5 large, fragrant flowers measuring 5 cm in diameter. The petals showcase hues of white, lilac, or dark pink, while the lip features a striking central tip accented with vibrant purple, framed by dark pink stripes.
Cultivation Tips:
Light: Provide Ancistrochilus rothschildianus with a light level of 18000-25000 lux, ensuring consistent airflow to mimic its native habitat.
Temperature: Maintain a thermophilic environment, with daytime temperatures averaging 23-27°C and nighttime temperatures around 17-18°C, creating a daily fluctuation of 5-10°C.
Humidity: During summer to autumn, maintain humidity levels between 85-90%, reducing to 75-80% in winter and spring to mimic its natural seasonal variations.
Substrate and Repotting: Utilize a substrate blend of fine pine bark, charcoal, and perlite (10% each) to provide adequate drainage. Due to its elongated rhizomes, opt for baskets, flat dishes, or bulb plant pots for container growing.
Watering: Keep Ancistrochilus rothschildianus consistently moist during active growth, gradually reducing watering as new growth matures in autumn. Allow the substrate to almost dry between waterings during dormancy.
Fertilizer: During active growth, fertilize weekly with 1/4-1/2 of the recommended orchid fertilizer dose, favoring nitrogen-rich fertilizers in spring to mid-summer and phosphorus-rich options in late summer to autumn.
Rest Period: During the winter dormancy period, limit watering while allowing the plant to nearly dry between waterings. Maintain a dry resting period at 12°C after leaf fall, resuming regular watering in spring upon new growth emergence. Reduce or eliminate fertilization during dormancy, resuming in spring.
This is a near blooming size in a 3" pot, about 2 to 3 years to bloom. grown from seed, limited!
Experience the allure of Ancistrochilus rothschildianus, a botanical treasure that brings the enchantment of African rainforests into your home or garden. With proper care and attention to its natural habitat requirements, this extraordinary orchid will reward you with its captivating presence and breathtaking blooms.