Aerangis punctata dropping leaves-HELP - Orchid Board

moonsful · #1 10-08-2013, 12:59 PM

I have this plant now for a couple of months and at first only the grown leaves were falling but now its the new ones as well. They just turn pink/ red on the edges and fall off. The plant is mounted in some kind of a metal mesh sponge which it was in since me buying it and it hangs in this vase that has water in the bottom for humidity but it never reaches the plant. I soak it in water every couple of days and i let it dry between waterings. Any advice on what im doing wrong?

Silje · #2 10-08-2013, 01:11 PM

Can you post a picture of the plant?

I've got an Aerangis biloba that has exchanged basically all its leaves since I got it in late May this year. The old leaves on that plant also has a purple/brownish tint. I've put it in more shade lately and it looks like the new leaves have a better colour, but I'm not sure why...if it's the light conditions or that it's getting used to its' new growing conditions since I purchased it.

I've not been overly concerned though, since it's growing new growths and leaves, but maybe I should be.

One thing about a couple of the larger Aerangis I've got is that they really do like high humidity and even if it's in a vase with water in the bottom, it might be too dry for it still. I water mine with the garden hose at least 2 times per day in a greenhouse with around 40-50% humidity during daytime. I have to to keep the leaves happy. If I skip watering the leaves go limp within a day.

bethmarie · #3 10-08-2013, 01:56 PM

My punctata has also lost a couple of leaves recently. I think I let it get too dry a couple of times. I don't think punctatas should lose any but the oldest leaves, so it's good to figure out what's going on with yours. What kind of light/humidity is it getting? These can also be sensitive to what's in their water. Mine gets RO water with the PH adjusted up and has been pretty happy so far.

Some pictures of your plant would definitely be a help too.

Leafmite · #4 10-08-2013, 02:09 PM

This is why I stick to angraecums. Good luck, though, and hope you can solve this problem. If you can contact the vendor, they might be able to help.

---------- Post added at 01:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:06 PM ----------

I do know that many angraecums are sensitive to fertilizer and some really enjoy a little extra calcium. I don't know if that is also true of aerangis, though.

Silje · #5 10-08-2013, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leafmite

This is why I stick to angraecums. Good luck, though, and hope you can solve this problem. If you can contact the vendor, they might be able to help.

---------- Post added at 01:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:06 PM ----------

I do know that many angraecums are sensitive to fertilizer and some really enjoy a little extra calcium. I don't know if that is also true of aerangis, though.

Got to agree with Leafmite here. I also find Angraecums much easier to deal with than Aerangis. Aerangis seem to be very sensitive plants and quite fussy. Angraecums are more forgiving and just keep going. For the most part.

bethmarie · #6 10-08-2013, 08:29 PM

This may help:
Aerangis punctata Culture

Water quality, humidity and air movement are some factors to look at. From what I've read, those are pretty important for this plant.

best of luck!

moonsful · #7 10-09-2013, 05:16 AM

Thank you for replying everyone. It maybe the humidity factor that is the problem because some of the leaves have tiny lines or grooves in them that possibly indicate dehydration. Mine sits in on a windowsill facing west and I use bottled water also there are lots of new leaves growing but on the downside some of them are falling off. At the moment im keeping it in a clear plastic bag to increase the humidity. Yes i think bethmarie youre right punctatas shouldnt drop leaves. Water quality way have been an issue because i have used tap water twice to water it. I agree Leafmite i have angraecum didieri and its much happier.

here are the photos of the punctata Flickr: moonsful1's Photostream

AnonYMouse · #8 10-09-2013, 05:36 AM

That mesh might be ecoweb or something similar, should be plastic. I don't think its relevant to the problem.

I see rot at the leaf juncture. Spray/dab H2O2 and increase air circulation. What are your temperatures? Wet and cold would be detrimental now.

moonsful · #9 10-09-2013, 03:09 PM

I was suspecting it was a rot, thank you AnonYMouse. The temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius during the day and 15 at night.

Kevin_PR · #10 10-09-2013, 04:11 PM

The same thing happened to mine. I have had a small seedling for about 4 months. It put out a new leaf and all was looking good till I changed the dosing of my fertilizer. It dropped 3/4 leaves including the new one. Now it has 1 old leaf and 1 new leaf coming from the center. I think it was the fertilizer that killed the leaves, I also had leaf burn on several other plants after I did that.