Aerangis thomsonii

Also known as: Thomson's Aerangis or Aerangis thomsoni Aerangis friesiorum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Kenya Uganda

General Information

Thomson's Aerangis is a monopodial cold to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Kenya and Uganda. It is named after the 1800 to in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 0.4-100cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery thick leaves that grow to 1.5-28cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

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

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 211mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 57% to 75%, highest in May and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 7C to 22C, highest in August (11C to 22C) and lowest in January (7C to 17C).

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.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. 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

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

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.