What is HIGH HUMIDITY for Angraecoides?

[NeoNJ]

I have alot of mounted Aerangis and Angraecum. I'm trying to get some ranges for TEMPS and HUMIDITY.
What is considered HIGH HUMIDITY for Angraecoides?
I always read that you should aim for at least 50% humidity levels. I grow all of my orchids on Windowsills
so need to figure out if I'm wasting my time here ....

What is COOL TEMPS for Aerangis? I think Angraecum can handle higher temps and more Light.....

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

[calvin_orchidL]

Hey there...I think I replied to you when you originally asked this question here but you never responded...anyway, as I said before, you kinda need to tell us what plants you're growing. That's the first step before anyone can provide any meaningful information that isn't vague and not very helpful

[NeoNJ]

I did alot of research on the Internet, and just bought the new Book on Angraecoids, and all I find is extremely vague, non-descript information about these orchids.

I have both Aerangis and Angreaecum:
- Aerangis fastuosa, Aerangis luteo-alba v. rhodosticta, Aerangis biloba, Aerangis hyaloides.
- Angraecum didieri, Angraecum leonis, Angraecum distichum, Angraecum magdalenae.
- Jumellea cormorensis, Amesiella monticola.

All are mounted, with exception of Angraecum magdalenae.

All are located in a windowsill with a SOUTHEAST exposure.

I thought I had previously indicated the plants I was growing in my other thread.

But the term "HIGH HUMIDITY" is too vague, so if anyone has any more specific cultural requirements for these orchids, please share.

Thanks in advance.

[calvin_orchidL]

Hey there,

Do you have a hygrometer? Because if you don't, then any specific advice is pointless as you wouldn't have any way of actually gauging how good you're doing. And if you do, then it's simple - keep it above 50%, ideally above 75% if possible.

Typically, with the exception of certain leafless orchids and other ridiculously delicate things like telipogons, nothing ever drops dead from low humidity; they just bloom less readily or don't grow as well. This is the reason there aren't any precise pieces of information...humidity is something you strive towards. If you can't make the exact percentage, but the plant seems to do okay, then you don't worry about it.

As for temperatures, here are the ones I grow:
Ang. magdalanae - enjoys cooler temperatures
Aer. fastuosa - more of a warm grower
Aer. biloba - warm/intermediate
Aer. rhodosticta - warm/intermediate
Ang didieri and leonis - I grow warm/intermediate

What is defined as warm, intermediate or cool are somewhat subjective...but intermediate is generally 15C - 23C, anything warmer than that is warm, and anything cooler than that is cool. I know growers who put all their angraecoids through winter lows of 15C and they're plants are fine. Others never grow them below 20C and they're fine as well.

Another thing to keep in mind is that plants adapt - something grown bright may make smaller fewer leaves, compared to something grown in lower light. How many hours of light do you get from your south-east window? In my mind's eye, that seems like great exposure for those angs. Didieri, comorense, magdalanae, and leonis enjoy brighter light compared to the others.

Hope that helps...unfortunately, exact ranges of temperatures, light, or humidity are never really available OR reliable - all you can do is understand the general gist of what a plant wants, try to simulate it, and see whether or not the plant responds favorably...and if it doesn't then try to identify what is the missing factor. I'm afraid that's probably as precise as it gets.

Which book did you buy? Is it Joyce Stewart's book?

EDIT: I just read your post on another forum that you get good bright light from 8-12...that's pretty good. See how they grow...just don't burn em with direct sunlight.

[NeoNJ]

Thank you Calvin, that was perfect. Now I understand so much more. It makes sense now why I was unable to really get any specifics on these measurements......
Yes, my mounted Angraecoides all grow in a Southeastern window, on the inside wall of the windowsill, so they get bright light in the mornings from 8AM to 12noon.

The Humidity factor IS an issue for them, because I see them reacting to lower humidity levels ---- some of the plants have curling, wrinkled leaves - my Aerangis citrata (which is in bull bud/spike) has curled, wrinkled leves. The Aerangis luteo-alba does as well.........
so that's why I keep bringing up the Humidity issue here.

Right now (6:00 AM) the Humidity level is 59% and the Temp is 69-degrees F. This Humidity level is the best I can really get with what I have. I would have to grow everything in a Terrarium if I want higher Humidity levels.

So I'm hoping what I have is OK and the plants will all respond positively.

Thank you again, Calvin for your input. It was extremely beneficial.

[alsorchids]

Calvin I chime in only to say that I was impressed with your well thought out advice and information. I don't raise any Anraecoides, but this post is true to a great extent for any grower. Well done! AL

[Zoi2]

NeoNJ are you sure the curling wrinkled leaves are not due to insufficient water at the roots?
Joann

[NeoNJ]

Could be .... thats why I asked the question.
These are all mounted, perhaps they need to be watered more frequently, as "misting" doesn't really take care of the roots .....

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