Aerangis luteoalba

Also known as: The Beige Aerangis with Red Spots or Rhaphidorhynchus luteoalbus Aerangis rhodosticta h.f. luteoalba Angraecum rhodostictum Aerangis luteoalba var. rhodosticta Angraecum albidorubrum Angraecum luteoalbum Aerangis albidorubra Aerangis luteoalba var. luteoalba Angraecum mirabile Angorchis rhodosticta Aerangis rhodosticta in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Kenya Somalia Uganda

General Information

The Beige Aerangis with Red Spots is a small monopodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Kenya, Somalia and Uganda.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 15cm long

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear during Summer and Autumn

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss

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.

Climate

The orchids are well adapted for hot weather, accompanied by sporadic, unpredictable rainfall and a generally dry climate. They can tolerate a lot of neglect as they are quite used to it, however they can be prone to underwatering and may collapse in cold, wet weather.

For this reason it's best to dedicate a sheltered, protected area for them where the watering can be controlled, such as a corner of a greenhouse or in a sheltered balcony. They can also do well hung near the roof of a shadehouse or sheltered greenhouse where they receive the extra heat but not as much water as other plants. 

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 9mm to 325mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in August. Temperature ranges from 13C to 27C, highest in August (16C to 27C) and lowest in January (13C to 21C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser year round.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs.