Read more of cultivation of Aerangis biloba (Lindl.) Schltr.
Culture:
Light:
1500-2300 fc. Light should be fairly low and filtered or diffused. Plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperatures:
Throughout the year, days average 78-88F (26-31C), and nights average 63-68F (17-20C), with a diurnal range of 12-22F (7-12C). The warmest days, coolest nights, and greatest diurnal range of the year occur during the drier period in winter and early spring.
Humidity:
80-85% from late spring through autumn, dropping to 70-75% in winter and early spring.
Water:
Rainfall in the habitat is heavy from spring until late autumn. Amounts then decrease rapidly into a somewhat drier season in winter. Even during this period of reduced rainfall, however, additional moisture is available from heavy dew and late-night mist, so there is not an extended or severe dry season. Cultivated plants should be watered often while actively growing, but drainage must be excellent with good aeration around the roots.
Fertilizer:
1/4–1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. Many growers use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to one high in phosphates in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Growing conditions should be maintained all year. Water should be reduced somewhat for cultivated plants in winter, particularly those grown in the dark, short-day conditions common in temperate latitudes, but they should not be allowed to dry out completely. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until new growth starts in spring and heavier watering is resumed.
Growing media:
As with most Aerangis species, Aerangis biloba usually grows better and its pendent flower spikes and blossoms are more easily displayed when 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. For those growers that find it difficult to keep mounted plants moist enough, 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. Hillerman and Holst (1986) reported that some Aerangis species seem to slowly dehydrate under normal misting or watering practices when grown on slabs. They indicated that 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.
Notes:
Growers report that flowers are long lasting.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
