Growing Anguloa orchids in greenhouses
Often called “tulip orchids” for their large, waxy, tulip-shaped flowers, anguloas are spectacular plants that reward space and good light with impressive displays. Native to mountainous regions of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, these orchids grow at elevations of 1,000-2,500 metres as terrestrials or lithophytes. Despite their exotic appearance, they are surprisingly straightforward to grow under the right conditions.
OVERVIEW
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Genus: Anguloa (nine species and four natural hybrids).
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Origin: South America.
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Growth habit: sympodial, terrestrial/lithophytic.
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Temperature group: intermediate to warm.
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Difficulty: moderate (space and light are key).
Most anguloas are large plants with substantial pseudobulbs and dramatic foliage. Given enough space and grown well, they are long-lived and can produce multiple leads, becoming specimen plants over time.
Anguloa tognettiae
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Anguloa speciosa
Anguloa Virginalis
GROWING CONDITIONS
■ Light
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Bright light is essential for flowering.
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Minimal shading in early spring.
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Light shading required from late April/May onwards.
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Remove shading again in early autumn.
In habitat, plants growing in full sun flower best, but UK conditions require care – leaves must be kept cool through good airflow to prevent scorch.
■ Temperature
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Night: 12-15°C
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Day: 22-30°C
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Avoid prolonged extremes; consistent temperatures are essential.
A heated greenhouse is typically required during winter in the UK, with reliable ventilation and effective cooling during warmer months.
■ Air Movement
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Strong air circulation is critical.
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Use fans and ventilation to prevent overheating.
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Air movement is more important than humidity for cooling.
■ Humidity
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Moderate to high humidity preferred.
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UK summer levels are usually sufficient.
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Supplement only if growing in a very dry environment.
COMPOST AND POTTING
■ Growing Medium
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50% sphagnum moss + 50% perlite (traditional approach); or
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Rockwool (e.g. Grodan) with 10-20% perlite.
Their fine root hairs must not dry out completely, or root function is impaired.
■ Repotting
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Best done between December and February (during semi-dormancy).
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Repot only when necessary or when outgrowing the pot.
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Pot on where possible to avoid root disturbance.
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Position oldest bulb at the pot edge, leaving room for new growth towards the centre.
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Large plastic pots are preferred for practicality and weight.
GROWTH CYCLE
■ Spring (February-April)
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Growth begins.
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Water sparingly at first (semi-dormant).
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Increase watering as new growth and buds appear.
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No shading – maximum light.
■ Summer (May-August)
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Peak growth and flowering.
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Water and feed heavily.
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Maintain strong airflow and light shading.
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Provide space for large leaves.
■ Flowering Period
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Early May to July (species dependent).
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Peak typically mid-June to mid-July.
■ Autumn (September-October)
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Pseudobulbs mature.
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Reduce watering gradually.
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Switch to higher phosphorus fertiliser.
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Increase light by removing shading.
■ Winter (November-January)
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Minimal growth.
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Reduce watering significantly.
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Maintain (or supplement) light levels.
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Treat as semi-dormant.
Anguloa dubia
Anguloa uniflora
WATERING AND FEEDING
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Water thoroughly and regularly during growth.
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Allow to dry only to damp, not completely dry.
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Flush pots regularly to avoid salt build-up, especially if using hard tap water.
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High nitrogen feed during growth.
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Higher phosphorus feed in autumn to initiate flowering.
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Adjust for water type (hard vs rainwater).
SPACE AND GROWTH HABIT
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Plants can become very large.
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Leaves may reach over one metre.
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Require generous spacing to prevent plants shading one another and reducing light reaching new growth and pseudobulbs.
PROPAGATION
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Divide plants by removing healthy back bulbs.
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Pot separately and keep moist.
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Typically take about three years to flower.
COMMON ISSUES
■ Watering
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A medium that is too dry results in root damage.
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A medium or atmosphere kept too wet can lead to rot in new growth.
■ Light
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Too little light results in poor flowering.
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Too much direct sun causes leaf scorch.
■ Pests & Diseases
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Anguloas are susceptible to the same pests as many other orchids.
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Avoid spraying chemicals directly into new growths.
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Plants can contract virus and should only be kept if particularly rare or valuable.
SUMMARY
Anguloas are ideal if you:
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have greenhouse space;
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can provide bright light and good airflow; and
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enjoy growing large, show-stopping orchids
They can be challenging for indoor growers or those with limited space, but for those who can accommodate them they are immensely rewarding.