General Information
Aerangis is a genus comprising about sixty orchid species originating predominantly from Africa, but also found in Asia, generally epiphytic. Aerangis have fleshy, greyish-green stems, on which long, alternate, thick, dark green leaves grow, usually with numerous silvery dots and a slightly prostrate habit. In spring or autumn, they produce a long inflorescence bearing numerous rounded, fragrant flowers, white, cream or light pink, which have a long spur. The compact size of the plants makes them suitable for cultivation on bark.
Exposure
Aerangis prefer bright positions, away from direct sunlight, especially on warmer days, when direct exposure could quickly cause leaf burn; they should be placed in locations with an average temperature of around 15-18°C, but can tolerate temperatures slightly below 10°C in winter and above 30°C in summer. For better development, they need good air circulation.
When outdoor temperatures are very high or very low, it is advisable to keep the plants indoors to prevent thermal shock from causing them to deteriorate quickly.
Watering
From March to November, water regularly, keeping the substrate always slightly moist but not waterlogged, as orchids do not tolerate standing water; from December to February, slightly reduce watering until spring shoots begin to develop. Mist the plant frequently, preferably using demineralized water; every 20-25 days, add a small dose of specific orchid fertilizer to the watering water.
When the plant finishes its growing season, watering should be spaced out for a period of about two months.
Substrate
Aerangis plants are epiphytic in nature, meaning they grow on tree trunks. To reproduce natural conditions at home, a substrate consisting of finely chopped bark, pieces of sponge or polystyrene, and sphagnum moss is used. Plants should be repotted quite frequently, at least every 2-3 years, as they tend to produce new stems and roots, eventually filling all available space, and the substrate tends to degrade over time, no longer providing adequate support.
