Jumellea comorensis

   Jumellea comorensis

     Jumellea comorensis is fairly easy to grow (probably the easiest from the Angraecum Alliance and it does grow rather quickly compared to other angraecoids).  It is native to the Comoro Islands and is a species that can adapt to very bright light and also to very low light.  It is an epiphyte that grows on very rough barked trees.  The average amount of rain fall averages 200 inches a year in the wild and usually found in an area that gets a fair amount of air movement which helps dry the plant leaves and prevent severe fungus problems.
     In culture it will grow well in a 3 - 5 inch pot (8 - 13cm) or basket and will thrive just as well mounted.  If growing in a pot or basket, be sure to use a medium material.  A good balance of coconut, perlite, charcoal and a small amount of moss.  The root system will grow year round but will slow in cooler months.  Roots will grow freely about two thirds of the way up the stem.
    Watering this plant while mounted should be daily during the summer months and every two to three days if in a container (pot or basket).  When temperatures start to drop in mid fall, cut back on watering the plant by a day or two.  Be sure to keep the plant in an area that receives a good cross breeze to help dry the plant of any excess moisture.
     Fertilize the Jumellea comorensis every 7 days and use a systemic fungicide every 3 - 4 weeks to prevent fungus growing on the bottom of the leaves which can be a common problem due to the amount of water the plant needs.

Jumellea comorensis

     Jumellea comorensis will flower year round on an established plant with many flowers.  Each flower being borne singly from the leaf axils.   Flowers are about 1 1/2 inches wide (4cm) and 2 inches high (5cm).  The lip is longer than it is wide and the spur is about 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 inches long (11 - 12cm); the spur will turn a greenish color about half way down.

Jumellea comorensis

     In locations that have a much cooler climate, the plant will grow better in a 5 inch (13cm) pot.  An ideal place would be in a heated green house; but if grown in a home on a window sill or on a table next to a window, the east would be a great place for the plant.  Be sure that the plant will not freeze if on the window sill.  Water the plant about once every 5 - 6 days keeping an eye on the medium, most homes in the winter have little humidity. It can be fertilized twice a month.  When temps are back in the upper sixties or low seventies and night time temps don't drop below 60 degrees, the plant can be moved outdoors.  Treat the plant with a good systemic fungicide.