Considering an Aerangis - Orchid Board

3rdMaestro · #1 10-25-2016, 07:10 PM

I am looking for a evening time scented orchid that I can support indoors. I know about brassavola but I think they are higher light requirements. In expanding my search, I found aerangis. Are these house friendly? I can only support low light and some medium light and intermediate temps. If they are house friendly, what is a good entry level aerangis? (Alternatively, if there are other evening time scented orchids I can support, please list those too)

WhiteRabbit · #2 10-25-2016, 10:11 PM

Aerangis citrata takes fairly low light. Supposed to be fragrant, tho I've never detected fragrance from mine.

I grow a brassavola on a windowsill (gets some direct mid - late afternoon sun) and it blooms fine.

Pattywack · #3 10-25-2016, 10:28 PM

I recently added a Aerangis fastuosa to my collection. Like to be warm, shady, fragrant at night. Phal conditions from what I've been told. Mine has two spikes just beginning so I hopefully will see blooms soon. I've only had it about three weeks so no experience.

3rdMaestro · #4 10-26-2016, 11:15 AM

Oh, citrata is quite pretty. And I was toying with the idea of fastuosa. What about luteo alba or biloba? (These are ones I've seen for sale but little info provided.)

WhiteRabbit · #5 10-27-2016, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3rdMaestro

Oh, citrata is quite pretty. And I was toying with the idea of fastuosa. What about luteo alba or biloba? (These are ones I've seen for sale but little info provided.)

I haven't tried those two species - hopefully some other members can chime in. I do know that citrata reportedly tolerates deep shade, so really doesn't need much light. I grow mine in a north facing window, and it has done well there.

AnonYMouse · #6 10-27-2016, 09:54 PM

My citrata doesn't smell either and I haven't been able to rebloom luteo-alba (I've adjusted conditions six ways to Sunday).

3rdMaestro · #7 10-27-2016, 10:02 PM

I emailed orchidweb and the guy there recommended fastuosa, so now I'm leaning towards that one. Unless of course all you experts say otherwise for a good reason

Purpoh · #8 10-30-2016, 12:31 AM

I have been growing Aerangis fastuosa and A. biloba, as well as punctata indoors successfully. My fastuosa looks like it is developing a spike. I would probably suggest this one over them all. Supposedly punctata is fragrant but when mine bloomed it was not. Possibly just my conditions.
I have also read from reliable sources that luteo-alba and citrata have no fragrance. Citrata is supposedly in reference to the creamy yellow color of the flowers. They are very pretty though.

MrHappyRotter · #9 10-30-2016, 01:39 PM

Aerangis biloba is definitely the best of the fragrant species for beginners. I should know, I'm a beginner with this group as well, and so far it's been the easiest to grow of the species I've purchased.

These seem to be very slow growing, at least when young, so you need to have patience. I used to think Paphs were slow growers. Used to. I believe it'll do better with warmer temps and I'd probably go for the medium light levels you said you could provide. Indoors might be a little tough if your humidity is low, so keep that mind. These plants like to be mounted or in very loose airy mixes that do not stay wet, and they are said to need good air movement, which I provide with multiple fans.

Another small growing, night fragrant species you might consider is Angraecum dideri. It took me a few tries to find a plant that liked me and my conditions, but once I found that plant, it's been quite easy and has bloomed multiple times this season (knock on wood). I'd say it's way more bang for the buck compared to A. biloba. It will however need similar growing conditions, bright light (medium is probably fine), good humidity and air flow, and you wouldn't want to let it get too cool in the winter.

The fragrance of A. biloba is musky-floral and reminded me of hyacinth. I find the fragrance of A. dideri to be more powerful and I like it more, it sounds weird to describe but it's sort of a combination of gardenia or jasmine mixed with camphor or menthol.

3rdMaestro · #10 10-30-2016, 02:22 PM

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
-Mrhappyrotter: I have heard aerangis are slow but I'm pretty patient with my orchids. As far as light levels, I'm on the low end of medium light, however I am exploring lighting or possibly even small greenhouse options. The species you suggest are still good, say if I had indoor lighting?