Aerangis with deformed growth

[unhappykat]

Hello All,

Over the last few months I have noticed a strange growth habit emerging over many of my Aerangis mystacidii, somalensis, luteoalba, and several other species and hybrids in my greenhouse.

I have attached photos of the newest growths on three plants showing a rather extreme version of the deformed growth, others vary with somewhat normal foliage that is now much more compact in size. The plants do not seem to be suffering from this as many have flowered and flushed roots as normal but they are unsightly for shows and exhibits.

The plants in the photo are Aerangis mystacidii, somalensis, and their hybrid but there are 5 other species and a few hybrids all showing this same growth habit. It seems to be affecting the faster growing species at the moment, the slower plants may also exhibit it eventually but it will take some time for it to become noticeable.

Has anyone else had, or is currently having, this problem with their plants? Any recommendations on how to remedy it would be appreciated.

[WhiteRabbit]

[calvin_orchidL]

How strange - I'd also be curious as to what is going on. No change in fertilizer or watering?

[unhappykat]

I have not adjusted any of the watering or feeding schedule from last year, 3 - 5 times per week depending on the temps and fertilizer 2 times a week at 1/4 strength.

It is quite unusual and seems restricted to the angraecoids, I found a Eurychone rothschildianum and Angraecum sesquipedale var angustifolium seedling showing the same growth pattern today. I'm really not sure what to make of this as there are no changes in my growing conditions, humidity is still fairly high and the light levels have remained fairly constant since the spring.

[calvin_orchidL]

Originally Posted by unhappykat

I have not adjusted any of the watering or feeding schedule from last year, 3 - 5 times per week depending on the temps and fertilizer 2 times a week at 1/4 strength.

It is quite unusual and seems restricted to the angraecoids, I found a Eurychone rothschildianum and Angraecum sesquipedale var angustifolium seedling showing the same growth pattern today. I'm really not sure what to make of this as there are no changes in my growing conditions, humidity is still fairly high and the light levels have remained fairly constant since the spring.

I figured you would have thought of that already! I've seen posts about stunted small leaves in monopodials before...I don't remember what the conclusion or consensus was. This thread seems to show a similar phenomenon in phalaenopsis. I can't find any other reports of this but will keep looking.

[Brooke]

How much light are they getting. Usually a leaf will be smaller when the light is abundant and much larger when grown in the shade.

My mystacidii, which is blooming now, has the same leaf shape as the bottom two leaves on your plant. My plant gets quite a bit of sun until about 1 and then it goes into deep shade.

Brooke

[unhappykat]

Originally Posted by Brooke

How much light are they getting. Usually a leaf will be smaller when the light is abundant and much larger when grown in the shade.

My mystacidii, which is blooming now, has the same leaf shape as the bottom two leaves on your plant. My plant gets quite a bit of sun until about 1 and then it goes into deep shade.

Brooke

I keep the light on these down with a 60% shade cloth during the April - September heat, during the remainder of the year they are lightly shaded with a 30% cloth.

This has been the same cycle since beginning to expand the Angraecum collection 3 years ago and it has not significantly altered the growth habit of any plants. I do have some plants that change their foliage depending on the light levels given, Mystacidii is one that varies significantly with floppy leaves in the shade and upright stiff foliage in the light.

The plants in my picture all all being grown in the middle of the range, having shade in the morning and sun in the evenings. The rest of the plants are highly dispersed throughout the greenhouse, growing everywhere they can fit, and they all are showing me the same condition. I am hoping its just a phase that will pass soon, possibly from the unusual warmth this year.