Aerangis macrocentra is endemic to Madagascar. This orchid is found in the Central Highlands and the north and east of Madagascar, between Vohemar and Ivohibe. where it grows epiphytically at about 1400 m.
Aerangis macrocentra also called as The Large-Spurred Aerangis, Aerangis clavigera, Angraecum clavigerum, Angraecum macrocentrum, Monixus clavigera, is a species of the genus Aerangis. This species was described by Friedrich Richard Rudolf Schlechter in 1915.
IDENTIFY AERANGIS MACROCENTRA ORCHID PLANT
Aerangis macrocentra is endemic to Madagascar. This orchid is found in the Central Highlands and the north and east of Madagascar, between Vohemar and Ivohibe. where it grows epiphytically at about 1400 m.
It is a miniature to small sized, hot to cool growing epiphyte with short stems carrying lanceolate-falcate, glossy, blue, grey or dark green leaves.
The Large-Spurred Aerangis blooms summer and fall on an axillary, 30 cm long, pendant, several to many flowered inflorescence. The flowers are white and are 1.85 cm in diameter.
AERANGIS MACROCENTRA 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 macrocentra needs a light level of 15000-23000 lux. Plants need filtered or diffused light and should never be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperature:
Summer days temperature at average 26-27°C, and nights average 15°C, with a diurnal range of 11-12°C.
Humidity:
The Large-Spurred Aerangis need the humidity of 70-75% in summer and autumn, dropping to 60-65% for about 3 months in late winter and early spring.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Conditions around the roots should be open and well aerated and should never be stale or soggy. Aerangis macrocentra probably grows better and the pendent flower spikes are more easily displayed when plants are mounted on slabs of tree-fern or rough bark. Mounted plants need high humidity, however, and during hot, dry weather they may require several waterings a day. If leaves start to shrivel or wrinkle or show other signs of stress, a plant usually will recover and grow well if soaked in water for about 20 minutes at least 3 times a week.
The plants are also be grown in small hanging pots or baskets using a very coarse, open, fast draining medium to anchor the plant but allow 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.
Watering:
Rainfall is moderate to heavy from late spring to early autumn. Averages then drop rather abruptly in mid autumn at the beginning of the dry season, that lasts about 5 months until late winter or early spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but drainage must be excellent. Water should be reduced in autumn after new growths mature.
Fertilizer:
1/4–1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. You can use a balanced fertilizer throughout the year, but also can use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to a high-phosphate formula in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
In winter, the days temperature at average 21-22°C, and nights average 8-9°C, with a diurnal range of 12-14°C. Aerangis macrocentra need much less water in winter, but the plants should not be completely without water for long periods. Occasional early-morning misting between infrequent light waterings should be adequate 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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