Aeranthes arachnites

Also known as: The Spider Aeranthes or Dendrorkis arachnodendris Aeranthes arachnites var. genuinus Aeranthes arachnites var. balfourii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Spider Aeranthes is a sympodial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 0.2-60cm. Each new growth has numerous arching leaves that grow to 2-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-8cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer and Autumn

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 36mm to 221mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 67% to 81%, highest in September and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 17C to 30C, highest in July (23C to 30C) and lowest in January (17C to 24C).

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

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.