Arachnis flos-aeris

Also known as: The Air Flower Arachnis or Arachnis flos-aeris h.f. aureum Arachnanthe moschifera Renanthera moschifera Renanthera arachnites Epidendrum aerosanthum Aerides matutina Arachnis flos-aeris var. gracilis Arachnis flosaeris Arachnis moschifera Arachnis flos-aeris h.v. insignis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Philippines Thailand

General Information

The Air Flower Arachnis is a giant monopodial hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Philippines and Thailand.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 5-17cm long

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as musky and strong

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

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.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 58mm to 361mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 78% to 83%, highest in January and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 19C to 28C, highest in April (21C to 28C) and lowest in January (19C to 26C).

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

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,

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly Repotting is best done annually.