Aerangis revival?

[AmyG]

Good Morning all!
Could anyone provide suggestions on how to revive an Aerangis Modesta cross? I've lost 1 leaf so far, and another is ready to drop. I believe it may have been too cold- being next to a window in the bathroom, but also may be in the wrong type mix? Looks pretty chunky. After a bit of research so far, I moved it away from the window- seeing it needs warmth and doesn't require a lot of light. I just don't want it to die! Thanks in advance for any info you can provide!

[cbuchman]

It's difficult to tell from the pics, but it looks very wet. I allow my aerangis to dry out quickly and I encourage the drying with good air movement. Yes, that may mean I need to monitor better to determine when it needs water, but it responds well to the regular wet/dry cycle.

[AmyG]

Thanks for your response Carrie! I had just misted it a few minutes before I took the pics. The medium is pretty chunky so I believe it dries quickly. I was hoping there may be a quick fix to the limp leaves. Any thoughts on K-L-N, Superthrive, placing it under glass (temporarily)?

[cbuchman]

I use KLN every month on pretty much everything and soak plants that are being repotted in it. I find it makes a huge difference.

For my Aerangis, I've found the need for air movement makes placing the plant under glass problematic. But maybe temporarily would provide some added humidity.

[AmyG]

Good Afternoon all,
My little 'chid went off to the big garden in the sky. I think it was on it's way out when I bought it. Anyway, I'd like to know your favorites and maybe suggestions for a fragrant Aerangis to adopt. Thanks in advance!

[GardenTheater]

Sorry it departed. Others to try...Aergs. mystacidii is lovely and tolerates a wider temperature range than some. It has a variable scent that settles into Lilly of the Valley. It's a wonderful scent. Mine bloomed when I had it 8 months and I grow it with my Phals.

With a seeding mat, I keep temps above 60F and humidity is usually above 50%. There is day to night drop in temps and also seasonal differences. Temp changes trigger blooms in Phals...don't know if Aergs. need that to bloom.

Aergs. biloba is suppose to be an easier one to grow and has larger flowers. Mine looks healthy, but hasn't bloomed yet. I let them both get totally dry before I water them. I have purchased nice plants online from both Botanica and J&L orchids.

---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 AM ----------

Just thought of another one. Aergs. citrata. Mine has two long spikes on it. I got when the spikes were just nubs. It will have a citrus scent and is suppose to be easier to grow. Hope you get a new one soon!

---------- Post added at 12:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:42 AM ----------

When the Aergs. citrata is totally dry, I water it. I keep toothpicks in the Aergs. pots and pull them out to see if they're totally dry. If they feel cool or moist, I don't water.

[Subrosa]

I'd recommend citrata as well. At the end of the season last year when falling leaves and the changing angle of the sun exposed mine to some direct sun, it lost a spike and half its leaves. I brought it in and mounted it to the wall of my paludarium under another plant for shade and it has recovered nicely and is currently spiking. Mounting practically assures that they won't stay too wet too long.

[AmyG]

Thanks GardenTheater and Subrosa for you thoughtful comments and advice! Your comments are well timed as I read the article about Valentine's presents in the current Orchids magazine this week! Subrosa, what is a paludarium and can we see pics? Thank you!



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[Subrosa]

A paludarium is essentially a terrarium that includes both land and water areas. I've been doing a bit of work on it the last couple days, but we're getting a bit of snow today. I should have time to finish and get a few pics later on.