Read more of cultivation of Aerangis citrata (Thouars) Schltr.
Culture:
Light:
1200-1800 fc. Plants require shady conditions and initiate flower spikes even in extremely low light. They should be protected from high light. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 82–84F (28–29C), and nights average 64–65F (18C), with a diurnal range of 17–20F (9–11C). These temperatures are the average conditions under which this species grows. Because of the large area of distribution and the wide range in habitat elevation, plants should adapt to summer temperatures 5–7F (3–4C) warmer or 8–10F (4–6C) 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. Average rainfall then drops 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. A high-nitrogen fertilizer is beneficial from spring to midsummer, but a fertilizer high in phosphates should be used in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Winter days average 72–74F (22–23C), and nights average 52–54F (11–12C), with a diurnal range of 19–22F (11–12C). These temperatures reflect the average conditions under which this species should be grown. The large area of distribution and wide range in habitat elevation, suggests that plants should adapt to summer temperatures 4–6F (2–3C) cooler or 10–12F (6–7C) warmer than indicated. Rainfall in the habitat is low from autumn to early spring and in the northern parts of the island the dry season lasts even longer. Humidity is high throughout the year, however, so considerable moisture is available from heavy dew and late-night mist. Cultivated plants need less water in late autumn through winter, but they should be watered periodically to prevent excessive drying. 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:
Even though growing on slabs accommodates the pendent flower spikes of this species, Aerangis citrata seems to be more difficult to grow on slabs than most other members of the genus. If mounted, it requires frequent misting or will slowly dehydrate. Therefore, plants usually are grown in small, perfectly drained hanging pots or baskets using a very open fast-draining medium. Hillerman & Holst (1986) recommended potting these plants in a fine fir bark mix and indicated that most plants will never outgrow a 4 in. (10 cm) pot, with most growing well in containers 3 in. (7.5 cm) wide or less. 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.
Notes:
In the habitat, blooming occurs from early spring to early autumn. Hillerman & Holst (1986) reported that some clones bloom several times a year.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
