Aerangis mystacidii is found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia. The plants are found most often in riverine forest, where they can occur in large numbers on small twigs overhanging the water...
Aerangis mystacidii also called as The Mystacidium-like Aerangis, Aerangis mystacidioides, Aerangis pachyura, Angraecum mystacidii, Angraecum pachyurum, Angraecum saundersiae, is a species of the genus Aerangis. This species was described by Friedrich Richard Rudolf Schlechter in 1917.
IDENTIFY AERANGIS MYSTACIDII ORCHID PLANT
Aerangis mystacidii is found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia. The plants are found most often in riverine forest, where they can occur in large numbers on small twigs overhanging the water, but they are also found in evergreen forest, well away from a river, and in woodland areas with high rainfall at elevations of 60-1800 m. In South Africa, the plants are abundant locally in the margins of the uppermost forests in mountainous regions at up to 1220 m where they are often found clinging to small branches in deep shade.
It is a miniature, epiphytic species with short to 10 cm long carrying 2 to 8 oblanceolate to obovate, leathery to slightly fleshy, unequally bilobed apically leaves.
The Mystacidium-like Aerangis blooms in the summer and fall with a arching to pendant, 30cm long, inflorescence that carries from 3 to 25, nocturnally fragrant flowers. The flowers are 2.3 cm in diameter.
AERANGIS MYSTACIDII 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 mystacidii needs a light level of 8000-20000 lux. Light should be filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperature:
Summer days temperature at average 20-21°C, and nights average 13-14°C, with a diurnal range of 14°C. These temperatures reflect about the coolest conditions under which these plants should be grown. Plants from lower elevations and more inland locations experience conditions that are somewhat warmer, but probably still average less than 27°C. Plants should thrive if grown in the cool, moist airflow from an evaporative cooler during warmer weather.
Humidity:
The Mystacidium-like Aerangis need the humidity level of 70-75% most of the year, dropping to near 65% for 2-3 months in winter.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Aerangis mystacidii usually grows better and its pendent flower spikes and blossoms are more easily displayed when the plants are mounted on slabs of rough bark. Mounted plants need high humidity and must be watered or misted at least once a day, however, and during hot, dry weather they may require several waterings a day.
They may also be grown in small hanging pots or baskets using 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 at the weather station is light to moderate throughout the year, with a somewhat drier period in winter. Amounts probably are greater than indicated in the higher-elevation habitat, however. plants should be watered often while actively growing, but drainage should be excellent and conditions around the roots should never be allowed to become stale or soggy.
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 one high in phosphates in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Winter days temperature at average 16-17°C, and nights average 5-7°C, with a diurnal range of 9-11°C. Water should be reduced for Aerangis mystacidii, allowing them to dry out somewhat between waterings. They should not remain without water for long periods, however. Somewhat regular early-morning misting between waterings should prevent plants from becoming too dry. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until new growth starts and heavier watering is resumed in spring.
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