Read more of cultivation of Aerangis collum-cygni Summerh.
Culture:
Light:
1200-2000 fc is recommended. Plants need filtered or diffused light and should never be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperatures:
Throughout the year, days average 77-80F (25-27C), and nights average 61-64F (16-18C), with a diurnal range of 14-17F (8-10C).
Humidity:
Average near 80% year-round.
Water:
Rainfall is moderate to heavy throughout the year, with a somewhat drier period in winter and again in late summer and early autumn. Plants should not be allowed to dry out completely as the habitat is described as being in rainforest or wet woodland forest.
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 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 throughout the year. Water may be reduced somewhat in winter, especially for plants grown in cooler conditions or those grown in the dark, short-day conditions common in temperate latitudes. They should not be allowed to remain without water for long periods, however. Fertilizer should be reduced if water is reduced.
Growing media:
As with most Aerangis species, these plants usually grow better and the arching to pendent flower spikes 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.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
