Aerangis fastuosa

Also known as: The Magnificent Aerangis or Rhaphidorhynchus fastuosus Angraecum fastuosum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Madagascar

General Information

The Magnificent Aerangis is a dwarf monopodial warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Madagascar.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 4-8cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery thick, rigid, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2-8cm long

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is most fragrant during the night.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Small
• Fine
• Bark

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 99mm to 452mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 81% to 86%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 12C to 24C, highest in July (18C to 24C) and lowest in February (12C to 18C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

It's best to observe the root system when repotting and use that as a guide:

A plant with a short root system will do better in a shallower pot with a fine mix, or mounted on fern or cork supplanted with a good amount of moss or similar material.

A plant with a long root system often does well in a pot filled with moss or fine media, mixing in perlite and charcoal is always beneficial to reduce the likelihood of the mix becoming soggy and keeps it fresh.

A plant with a coarser long root system can be potted in a deeper pot, but with 2/3 coarse material such as bark, expanded clay, or coco chips and topped with moss or similar material. This will allow the moisture to remain inside the pot but give the roots air as well.

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Tree trunks or Fern slabs. Repotting is best done annually.