A New Orchid, or not?

[katierkincaid]

Hey guys! I am looking into getting some new orchids, but im so confused. Most of these websites are not clear (to me at least) what these are coming to me as? Like are they seeds? Mature plant? I really want a Aerangis fastuosa, it is so beautiful. I orginally saw this plant in my Orchid Book, and fell in love with it. But im a bit skeptical about it. My conditions are as listed: I have all my orchids in my kitchen, its not hot usually 69-73 deg in there, maybe slight air movement, not humid (to my knowlage, i could use some rocks though if needed), I have 2 sunlight bulbs (t8) in my kitchen fixture on the ceiling, and above the sink I have 2 plant grow bulbs
(t12 fixture). I have 2 Phal's under the sink bulbs, they seem to like it so far. Can anyone recomend something good for me? Do you think the Aerangis fastuosa would be a good candidate for me? What arragments do you think I need to make to accomidate one of these?

THANKSSSSS!!!!

[orchidhunter]

Hi katierkincaid,

Nurseries usually label the plants in their catalogues to tell you how big they'll be when you get them. Although the exact notation varies, it's usually along the lines of:
S: seedling (teeny-tiny plant)
NFS: near-flowering size (larger plant)
FS: flowering size (mature plant often shipped in bud)
You would need a sterile laminar flow bench (or even better, a dedicated lab!) to germinate orchid seed, which is fine as dust. Some vendors supply orchid seedlings in sealed flasks, growing on the sterile jelly-like growing medium. I would not suggest you buy one of these. Rather opt for the largest plant you can find/afford, to ensure it establishes well.

Aerangis do like it hot and humid: I think most people grow them mounted on bark or in very open baskets like Vandas. You can try growing it like a Phalaenopsis, but I don't think it will like pot-life and low light. Then again, I used to grow Phalaenopsis right next to my Masdevallias, and they all thrived! - it's all about the microclimate you can provide, really.

Anyone out there who actually owns an Aerangis fastuosa that could provide better advice?

[gmdiaz]

I am thinking you are going to need an Exo Terra terrarium. . .seriously.

They like high humidity. . .by high, I mean in the 70-80% range. . .my tank actually runs closer to 80-98% and it seems happy in there. And they seem to really like good air circulation.

[katierkincaid]

What type of orchid do you think I should get? I already have 2 Phal's, 1 Dendrobium, and one Cymbidium ( which is really giving me a hard time). Is there anything you can think of that might be good for my conditions? Do you consider low light to be produced by bulbs in the kitchen?

[Orchidophile]

I'm going to agree with Gwen on this one, I have mine mounted in an Exo Terra terrarium and it is growing a new leaf and roots. Oh, and I have only had the little thing a for a month.

[quiltergal]

I'll be the dissenting vote here. I have Aer. luteo-alba and have been able to successfully bloom it. It's currently putting out new growth. I have it planted in coco/perlite/charcoal in a 4" hanging slat basket. My RH in the winter runs anywhere from 60-80%. Summer is another story. 40% is a great day. The lower humidity hasn't seemed to affect my plant at all. I just made sure in the summer it had adequate water. It's growing under a T5 fl. and is on the top shelf with my phals. So it's growing intermediate to warm temp wise. I have found my plants have done much better when I grouped them all together. They seem to create a little micro climate of their own. I say go for it.

[Royal]

I say go for it too. You will learn a lot. You may do well, you may not. But then you'll know for sure. You may have to make an adjustment that will enable you to expand your collection (like an orchidarium ).

Are you a risk taker? We'll see won't we...

[katierkincaid]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

I say go for it too. You will learn a lot. You may do well, you may not. But then you'll know for sure. You may have to make an adjustment that will enable you to expand your collection (like an orchidarium ).

Are you a risk taker? We'll see won't we...

Omg, im gonna do it! I am dared now Orchids are addictive. I am adding this one to my collection asap. Terri where did you get it? I looked and found one at J&L but they never specified if it was a mature plant or not. Is there some place you recomend?

[dave b]

I grow my fastuosa mounted, not in a greenhouse or any other special contraption. It hangs next to all my other orchids on a shelf next to a south facing window. I do spray my mounted orchids (most are aerangis) almost daily. I also plop them in a bucket /sink /or fish tank of water from time to time and soak them. It and the rest have grown well. The fastuosa has begun to spike, and i will post pics one of these days. Many people grow fastuosa in pots. As long as it is a very open and airy bark mix, allowing for slight moisture retention. You can let it dry out completely between waterings. They are low light plants, so shaded Southern exposure or the remaining are fine. They are considered a warm grower, so avoid dropping below 65F.

[quiltergal]

Look what Oak Hill has on special this month! Oak Hill Gardens They also sell other species besides the ones on special. I'm coveting an Aer. citrata.