Mutant Angraecum Crestwood 'Tomorrow Star'

        Three years ago I obtained what I think is a novelty plant; an Angraecum Crestwood mutation.  I was told that it has two spurs (nectaries).  Several months later I obtained three more plants that were labeled as a mutation; but with three spurs.  The initial plant has not yet bloomed and should have the following year.  The second set of plants have developed inflorescence each year and did bloom in December of 2016.
        The flowers that did bloom never really opened completely (the image below are of flowers that were photographed at the January 2017 Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society Show); Plants and opened flowers in my personal collection were very similar to those at the show.

Angraecum Crestwood 'Tomorrow Star' (mutation) 



        While at the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society's show, I did have the opportunity to speak to a few of the American Orchid Society's  judges the morning that judging was taking place.  My question to them was whether they would consider judging a flower or group of flowers that were considered mutations.  The first response was that they would at least look at the flower.  Another response was probably not.  The last judge said they would look at it but that the name of the plant should be changed (an issue with the name will be addressed later in this post).



        Angraecum Crestwood 'Party Girl' is the first and only  mutant Angraecum orchid to receive an American Orchid Society (AOS) award.  The award presented was a JC/AOS in February of 2016.  A JC award is a Judges' Commendation;  "Awarded to flowers or plants, individually or in groups, for a distinctive characteristic or aspect of historical or other importance which, in the opinion of the judges, is worthy of recognition. Judges' Commendations must record the specific values for which the award is given. Granted without scoring by an affirmative vote of at least 75 percent of the judging team assigned."

Angraecum Crestwood 'Party Girl'

 

       Regarding the culture of this novelty plant; I follow the same protocol as if it were a normal Angraecum Crestwood.  All of my plants are in either 6 - 8 inch baskets or pots (the type of pot that has numerous holes surrounding the entire pot).  I use non-organic material.  Charcoal and/or lava pieces that are about 1 - 1.5 inches in diameter.  This medium allows for fast drainage, some air movement for the root system to breath ad ample room for the development of the roots.  This mutation should grow year round as long as it is kept in a warm grow area as would the normal Angcm. Crestwood.

       Because of the fast drainage, I water my plants daily; every morning as long as temperatures are above 75 degrees.  When temperatures are above the upper 80s into the nineties, I do try to water a second time about two hours prior to sunset.  Watering is backed off to every two to three days once evening temperature drop below 65 degrees.  I water only the medium; it is not a good habit of letting water set in the leaf axels, especially during the extreme warmer months.  That setting water can over heat the plant and cause stem rot.  It is best to have the plant in an area that receives a constant amount of air flow.

       The plants are kept in an area that receive a minimum of 3,500 - 5,000 foot candles of light.  Considered Cattleya light to Vanda light.  In other words, very bright light but not direct sunlight.  This type of light will promote blooming while the watering will help the plant grow.

       I use a systemic fungicide on all of my plants every thirty days.  I will use Thyomil for three months then switch to Dythane 45 for a three months cycle before returning to the Thyomil.  Physan 20 is always available in a spray bottle as a topical fungicide.  Another chemical treatment used every seven to ten days is a balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 (Jacks).  I do not use any form of bloom booster.

 

Angraecum Crestwood 'Tomorrow Star' (mutation)

 

       While doing research regarding the origin (it is speculated that its origin is from Taiwan) of this cloned mutation; I found it referred to as peloric.  When an orchid is considered peloric, its petals are mimicking the lip.  The illusion is that there are three lips.  The two additional lips are somehow part of the petals. 

       Upon close examination, you can clearly see that there is only one lip and that the two additional spurs/nectaries are formed in the upper left and upper right of the actual resupinate lip.  The spurs and the lip are not connected to either of the petals.  The petals develop as they would in a non-mutated flower.

 

Angraecum Crestwood 'Tomorrow Star' (backside of the flower)

 

       Over the last three or four years this mutation has become readily more available.  Several growers here in the states will occasionally obtain some from the growers from Taiwan.  All of my plants were obtained from one of those Taiwanese growers.  It will range in price from $20 to as much as $50, depending on the size and whether it is ready to bloom.  If grown properly, it can be an unusual addition to any collection and is definitely a conversation piece.