reviving Aerangis after transport

[FinnBar]

My Aerangis order arrived today after being hung up in the mail for 15(!!) days. Aer.citrata and articulata came potted, biloba and mooreana mounted on cork. needless to say, the pots were bone dry.
I've read that citrata doesn't stand drying out once and I'm wondering if that was the end of it.
I dont want to let go of it straight away as it seems strong and healthy, arriving with an aborted spike.
What can I do to revive my plants after such a stress?
I'm currently soaking all of them in R/O water. I have a windowbox set up where it's easy to maintain high humidity (90+) if necessary.
Thanks for your input.

Antti

[smweaver]

Hello, Antti. The articulata and biloba should be fine (I've grown both species before and they're the only pair of the four plants you mentioned that I can give feedback on). Leaves might be a little dehydrated, but if you can put them inside your window box and maintain that kind of humidity level (is there a fan in there to keep the air circulating? it's probably especially important to try and keep the airflow strong when the plants are experiencing an environment of 90% humidity), I think there's a very good chance that you'll see some new root growth initiated rather quickly. Both of those species (and most Aerangis, I would imagine) respond very well to high humidity. Just try to avoid giving them too much light until they show definite signs that they're getting their health back. Good luck with your plants!

Steve

[Ray]

I agree with Steve that moderate light levels and high humidity are the key.

For what it's worth, back when I imported a lot of plants, I would submerge them in water for a couple of hours in an attempt to partially rehydrate them. I don't know if it really played a role in their recovery, but it can't hurt.

[FinnBar]

Thanks for all the advice!

Good thing you mentioned the light levels as i have a new CF-light on its way. I'll break it to them gently..
I mounted the articulata and will probably do the same to citrata too.
oh, and i'm circulating the air with two small terrarium fans.

Antti

[gmdiaz]

Sounds like you are on your way!

[FinnBar]

I sure hope so.
in the end I potted the citrata in a small pot with epiweb chunks. i somehow felt more comfortable with that for now.

[shakkai]

Sounds like you've got a good plan... I hope all turns out well with these. Please keep up posted on how they do, as it will be a useful reference if this ever happens to someone else in future!

[FinnBar]

so far so good.. I've been watering with a small amount of fertilizer and began to wonder whether i should be withholding that until i see some new growth? i've aimed at an 120ppm N-level

Antti

[FinnBar]

a little update;
mooreana has a new root in active growth!
Today i noticed the biloba has one breaking out as well!


the citrata is loosing two leaves and appears a little dehydrated. most roots don't absorb water anymore..
articulata seems to be sulking still.

but the good news beat the bad ones, hey?

Antti

[shakkai]

That's great news! And I wouldn't give up on the others, either. As long as you can keep them humid and in relatively low light (so they aren't stressed more) they should also start to grow new roots eventually.