Aerangis fuscata is found in Antananarivo, Antsirannana, and Toamasina regions. It grows on twigs and branches in a variety of habitats from near sea level to about 1400 m.
Aerangis fuscata also called as The Brownish Aerangis, Aerangis umbonata, Angraecum fuscatum, Rhaphidorhynchus umbonatus, is a species of the genus Aerangis. This species was described by Friedrich Richard Rudolf Schlechter in 1914.
IDENTIFY AERANGIS FUSCATA ORCHID PLANT
Aerangis fuscata is found in Antananarivo, Antsirannana, and Toamasina regions. It grows on twigs and branches in a variety of habitats from near sea level to about 1400 m.
It is a small sized, hot to cool growing epiphyte with a short stem carrying 4 to 5, fleshy, elliptic or obovate, dark, glossy green leaves.
The Brownish Aerangis bloom on a pendant, to 20 cm long inflorescence with a few to many, fragrant flowers occuring in the summer. The flowers are brown, 2.5 to 3.75 cm in diameter.
AERANGIS FUSCATA ORCHID PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Aerangis fuscata needs a light level of 10000-20000 lux. The plants require shady conditions and will initiate flower spikes even in extremely low light. However, the plants produce better blooms at the light levels indicated. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperature:
The summer days temperature is at average 30-31°C, and nights average 20-21°C, with a diurnal range of 10-11°C.
Humidity:
The Brownish Aerangis needs the humidity level of 75-80% most of the year, dropping to 65-70% for about 4 months in late winter and spring.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Because of the long, pendent flower spike, Aerangis fuscata is probably more easily managed if grown on a rough-barked slab or in a hanging pot or basket. Mounted plants need high humidity, however, and must be watered or misted at least once a day, During hot, dry weather, they may require several waterings a day.
They may also be grown in rather small hanging pots or baskets filled with a very coarse, open, fast-draining medium to anchor the plant but allowing the roots to wander outside the container.
Plants should be repotted if the medium starts to break down. Repotting done just as new roots start to grow enables the plant to become reestablished in the shortest possible time. If the leaves start to shrivel or wrinkle or show other signs of stress, the plant usually will recover and grow well if soaked in water for about 20 minutes at least 3 times a week.
Watering:
Rainfall is moderate to very heavy from late spring to autumn. Averages then drop rapidly into a five-month dry season that starts in late autumn and lasts until early spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but their roots must dry rapidly after watering.
Fertilizer:
1/4-1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. You can use a balanced fertilizer all year, but can also use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to a high-phosphate formula in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Winter days temperature at average of 24-26°C, and nights average at 13-14°C, with a diurnal range of 11-13°C. Aerangis fuscata plants need less water in winter, but they should be watered periodically to prevent excessive drying. Occasional early-morning misting between infrequent light waterings should provide sufficient moisture in most growing areas. Water should be increased somewhat if leaves shrivel or show signs of stress. Fertilizer should be eliminated until new growth starts and heavier watering is resumed in spring.
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