Read more of cultivation of Aerangis fuscata (Rchb.f.) Schltr.
Culture:
Light:
1000-2000 fc. Plants require shady conditions and will initiate flower spikes even in extremely low light. However, plants produce better blooms at the light levels indicated. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
Temperatures:
Summer days average 86-88F (30-31C), and nights average 68-69F (20-21C), with a diurnal range of 17-20F (10-11C). Temperatures in the preceding climate table reflect the average conditions under which Aerangis fuscata grows. Because of the range in habitat elevation, however, plants should adapt to conditions 4-6F (2-3C) 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 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 when plants are actively growing. Many growers use a balanced fertilizer all 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 76-78F (24-26C), and nights average 56-58F (13-14C), with a diurnal range of 19-22F (11-13C). In all habitat, rainfall is low from autumn to early spring. Humidity is high all year, however, so considerable moisture not reflected in the rainfall averages is available from heavy dew and late-night mist. Cultivated plants need less water in 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:
Because of the long, pendent flower spike, Aerangis fuscata is probably more easily managed if grown on a rough-barked slab or in a hanging pot or basket. Mounted plants need high humidity, however, and must be watered or misted at least once a day, 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 rather small hanging pots or baskets filled with 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
