Read more of cultivation of Aerangis modesta (Hook.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 represent the average conditions under which Aerangis modesta grows. Because of the range in both distribution and 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 habitats, rainfall is low from autumn to early spring, and the dry season usually lasts even longer in the northern parts of the island. Humidity is high all year, however, so considerable moisture 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:
As with most Aerangis species, Aerangis modesta usually grows better and its pendent flower spikes are more easily displayed when plants are mounted on slabs of tree-fern or rough bark. Some growers have even successfully used slabs of plastic foam. Hillerman and Holst (1986) recommend that slabs about 4 x 10 in. (10–25 cm) be used. 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. Hillerman and Holst (1986) reported that some forms, when grown on slabs, seem to slowly dehydrate under normal misting or watering practices. If leaves start to shrivel or wrinkle or show other signs of stress, however, the plant usually will recover and grow well if soaked in water for about 20 minutes at least 3 times a week. Many growers find it difficult to keep mounted plants moist enough, so plants often are 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
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
