Ansellia africana

RHS Plant Profile
leopard orchid

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Synonyms

Ansellia nilotica
Ansellia gigantea var. nilotica
Ansellia gigantea
Ansellia humilis

Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A large sized, epiphytic, evergreen orchid with upright, cane-like pseudobulbs. Six or seven, green, leathery leaves are alternately arranged on the upper half of each pseudobulb. Each lance-shaped leaf is 15-50cm long and 1.5-5cm wide. The size of the plant may be variable, with each stem (pseudobulb) measuring 50-120cm. Upright flowering stems up to 85cm long emerge from the upper nodes of mature canes and carry few to many, 2-3cm large flowers. Yellow flowers are often covered with dark brown, irregular spots that vary in size and density.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
Genus
A genus of just one single species of perennial, epiphytic or sometimes terrestrial orchid, native to southern and tropical Africa with broad, tapering green foliage and 'leopard print' yellow and dark red flowers appear on long stems. The size and colouring within this genus can vary greatly
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Tropical Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in an open, coarse bark-based orchid mix with addition of perlite and coconut chips. Provide bright light conditions, but shade from hot, direct mid-day sun. Ideal temperatures are 15°C minimum in winter and up to maximum 28 °C during summer day. Water and feed plants regularly during the growing season. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting too wet. Provide enough humidity by regular misting. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months and keep in a bright, sunny position. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years. The plant should only be re-potted when the new growth appears in spring. See also indoor orchid cultivation.

Propagation

Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required.

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.