Read more of cultivation of Aerangis confusa J.Stewart
Culture:
Light:
1500-2500 fc. 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.
Temperatures:
Throughout the year, days average 72-79F (22-26C), and nights average 45-51F (7-11C), with a diurnal range of 24-32F (13-18C). The warmest days, coolest nights, and greatest diurnal range occur during the relatively clear weather of the winter dry season.
Humidity:
Humidity in the region is variable, averaging only 45-50% during the primary dry season, then increasing abruptly to near 70% in spring rainy season, and then dropping to 55-65% for the remainder of the year
Water:
Rainfall in the region is rather light most of the year, with a maximum in spring and a secondary maximum in autumn. Interestingly, these maximum periods coincide with the reported bloom seasons in the habitat. Cultivated plants should be watered rather heavily when actively growing, but they must be able to dry fairly quickly after watering.
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, and 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 when plants are not actively growing, but they should not be left without water for long periods. Occasional early-morning mistings between a watering every week or so should provide sufficient moisture in most growing areas. Fertilizer should be reduced when water is reduced.
Growing media:
As with most Aerangis species, Aerangis confusa probably grows better and its 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 3-5 in. (8-13 cm) 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
