Aerangis Citrata

[m_ms09]

I am trying to find information about the cultivation of this lovely plant. Does anyone have experience with it? If so, what kind of environment/watering do you provide for it?

Thanks!

[JennS]

I can tell you how to kill it! I had one that i got in September that I accidentally killed. I haven't killed an orchid in quite awhile so, I don't konw if it was already in poor shape when i got it or my fault. I was told they like to mounted kind of upside down like a phal, and low light, also like a phal. I tried to get more info from people here, but didn't get much. I can tell you they have very fine, kind of wiry roots that even when soaked seem somewhat brittle, so I would be very delicate when handling it. I received mine in small charcoal and was potted, and it seemd pretty mature, so I am guessing this mix is OK for it too. SOrry I can't be of more help!

[whygreenberg]

I don't have any personal experience (and there are plenty of people here who do, so let's hope they chime in) but I'm pretty sure that Aerangis need some pretty high humidity to really thrive and bloom well.

[Ross]

Yvan is correct. They need pretty high humidity and constant air movement. Mine is on a mount and in the tank at 99% humidity and constant breeze 24/7. It is in multiple spike right now. Will post pics when in full bloom. Here is was last year:

This year, the plant has covered that cedar shingle and there are more than 10 spikes.

Constant wetness is good, but they do not want to be stagnant. I water daily with dilute fertilizer and the breeze sort of dries down the root mass. Most of the roots are exposed so total dryness isn't good for them. Hope this helps.

[m_ms09]

Originally Posted by Ross

Yvan is correct. They need pretty high humidity and constant air movement. Mine is on a mount and in the tank at 99% humidity and constant breeze 24/7. It is in multiple spike right now. Will post pics when in full bloom. Here is was last year:

This year, the plant has covered that cedar shingle and there are more than 10 spikes.

Constant wetness is good, but they do not want to be stagnant. I water daily with dilute fertilizer and the breeze sort of dries down the root mass. Most of the roots are exposed so total dryness isn't good for them. Hope this helps.

Hi there! What a lovely specimen you have there! Great photo too, really shows it off!

Thanks for all your help! I have mine growing in a special tank setup -- these photos were taken before the addition of the citrata:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ata-bloom.html

I've started watering occassionally with MSU (12-2-14-6CA-3MG) but I'm not sure if mine is for tap water or RO water (I hear there's an MSU for each)...I think I read somewhere that mine is for tap water and should be doubled from a half teaspoon to a full teaspoon in RO...

But I have no idea!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by m_ms09

I've started watering occassionally with MSU (12-2-14-6CA-3MG) but I'm not sure if mine is for tap water or RO water (I hear there's an MSU for each)...I think I read somewhere that mine is for tap water and should be doubled from a half teaspoon to a full teaspoon in RO...

But I have no idea!

I'm thinking that with added Calcium and Magnesium, that must be formulated for RO water. I'd stick with formulation on label and do as they suggest - not the double mix.

[m_ms09]

Originally Posted by Ross

I'm thinking that with added Calcium and Magnesium, that must be formulated for RO water. I'd stick with formulation on label and do as they suggest - not the double mix.

Thanks Ross!

[cneos]

We grow our aerangis species (and a few hybrids) with other vandas but with less light. High humidity and regular air movement is critical. The plants are grown bare-root (in baskets). Haven't tried mounting them yet. Ross, yours is a beauty! Hope you'll share your technique with us.