Read more of cultivation of Aerangis articulata (Rchb.f.) Schltr.
Culture:
Light:
1500-2500 fc. Light should be somewhat filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times. Hillerman & Holst (1987) reported that lower light levels are sufficient to produce flowering.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 84-86F (29-30C), and nights average 66-67F (19C), with a diurnal range of 17-20F (10-12C). Because of the large area of distribution and the wide range in habitat elevation, these plants should adapt to conditions 6-8F (3-4C) warmer or cooler than indicated.
Humidity:
75-80% most of the year, dropping to 65-70% for about 4 months in late winter and spring.
Water:
Rainfall is moderate to very heavy from late spring to autumn. Averages then drop rapidly into a 5-month dry season extending from late autumn to early spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but their roots must be able to dry rapidly after watering. Water should be greatly reduced in midautumn.
Fertilizer:
1/4–1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. Many growers prefer to use a balanced fertilizer throughout the year, but others prefer to 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 average 74-76F (23-24C), and nights average 54-56F (12-13C), with a diurnal range of 19-22F (11-12C). Rainfall in the habitat is low from autumn to early spring. Humidity remains high throughout the year, however, so considerable additional moisture is available from heavy dew and late-night mist. Water should be greatly reduced for cultivated plants during winter, but plants should not remain completely without water for long periods. Occasional early-morning mistings 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.
Growing media:
Plants may be grown in shallow, well-drained containers or mounted on tree-fern slabs. Mounted plants need high humidity, however, and during hot, dry weather they may need several waterings a day. If it is difficult to keep mounted plants moist enough, they may be grown in a shallow pot or basket filled with a very open, fast-draining medium that has excellent drainage, is well aerated, and allows the medium to dry fairly rapidly after watering. Growers generally use coarse fir bark or shredded tree-fern fiber and add varying amounts of chunky perlite and/or chopped sphagnum moss to keep the medium open and retain some moisture in exceptionally dry areas. Including charcoal in the mix also holds the medium open and prevents souring in the pot. Plants should be repotted immediately if the medium starts to break down or whenever the plant outgrows its container. Repotting should be done just as new roots start to grow. This enables the plant to become reestablished in the shortest possible time.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
