Aerides maculosa orchid is native to the Indian subcontinent, Nepal, Southern China, SE Asia, the Philippines, New Guinea, on the trees of the tropical forest. This plant have first described by Lindl. in 1845. The epithet "maculosa" means "spotted," in reference to the colored spots on the petals.
Aerides maculosa orchid, also called as The Spotted Aerides, is a species of the genus Aerides. Several synonyms are know for this species such as: "Aerides illustris Rchb.f. 1882"; "Aerides maculosa var. schroederi (Rchb.f.) A.H.Kent 1891"; "Aerides schroederi Rchb.f. 1855"; "Gastrochilus speciosus (Wight) Kuntze 1891"; "Saccolabium speciosum Wight 1851".
IDENTIFY AERIDES MACULOSA ORCHID
Aerides maculosa orchid is native to the Indian subcontinent, Nepal, Southern China, SE Asia, the Philippines, New Guinea, on the trees of the tropical forest. This plant have first described by Lindl. in 1845. The epithet "maculosa" means "spotted," in reference to the colored spots on the petals.
This species is a medium-large orchid, epiphyte. The stem, with a monopodial growth, is erect and carrying leathery, bilobed apically leaves at the apex.
It flowers from spring until the beginning of summer, with inflorescences axillary in racemic, branched at the base, horizontal or curved, up to 25 cm, with many flowers. The spikes are arching to pendulous, to about 25cm long with many flowers. These are large on average four centimeters, of waxy consistency, pleasantly perfumed, with petals and white sepals , characteristically speckled with pink and labellum pink trilobate with white streaks. If the flowers are kept dry, lasts four weeks in perfection. The colour of the flower is very striking.
Aerides maculosa var. schroderi, one of some varieties of this species, is a magnificent free-growing plant from the hills near Bombay, much stronger than Aerides maculosa, and more in the way of Aerides crispum, with dark green foliage, ten inches long; the flowers are very delicate, the sepals and petals almost alike - white, tinged with lilac and spotted with rose, the labellum being of a beautiful rose colour. It flowers in June or July, lasting three weeks in perfection.
GROW AND CARE AERIDES MACULOSA ORCHID
This species requires exposure to partial shade, high temperatures throughout the year and frequent irrigation and fertilization during the flowering period.
A delightful species which is not difficult to care for but must be provided with warm moisture and generous air movement. Without good movement of air, they often succumb to rot.
Aer. maculosa does well in basket or slotted pot in a variety of well drained media with roots exposed. The media can consist of 3 charcoal and 1 part brickbats. Coconut husk chips are best avoided as they tend to retain excess water and rot easily leading to re-potting frequently.
Like Vandas, Aerides require diffused bright light to bloom well. These are very hardy plants which can tolerate dry spells. They are best grown in east facing spot, avoiding overhead sun light. For good growth, the plant should be fed weekly with a weak solution of NPK (20-20-20). Care should be taken to avoid leaving the fertilizer in direct contact with the roots for too long.
If grown without any media, the plant should be soaked thoroughly on a daily basis. Avoid spraying either fertilizer or the insecticide on the flowers.
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