Read more of cultivation of Aerangis mystacidii (Rchb.f.) Schltr.
Culture:
Light:
800-2000 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:
Summer days average 68-70F (20-21C), and nights average 56-58F (13-14C), with a diurnal range of 12F (14C). These temperatures reflect about the coolest conditions under which these plants should be grown. Plants from lower elevations and more inland locations experience conditions that are somewhat warmer, but probably still average less than 80F (27C). Plants should thrive if grown in the cool, moist airflow from an evaporative cooler during warmer weather.
Humidity:
70-75% most of the year, dropping to near 65% for 2-3 months in winter. Averages may be somewhat greater in the higher-elevation habitat.
Water:
Rainfall at the weather station is light to moderate throughout the year, with a somewhat drier period in winter. Amounts probably are greater than indicated in the higher-elevation habitat, however. plants should be watered often while actively growing, but drainage should be excellent and conditions around the roots should never be allowed to become stale or soggy.
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:
Winter days average 61-62F (16-17C), and nights average 41-44F (5-7C), with a diurnal range of 17-20F (9-11C). Rainfall is lower in winter, but additional moisture usually is available from heavy dew. Water should be reduced for cultivated plants, allowing them to dry out somewhat between waterings. They should not remain without water for long periods, however. Somewhat regular early-morning mistings between waterings should prevent plants from becoming too dry. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until new growth starts and heavier watering is resumed in spring.
Growing media:
As with most Aerangis species, Aerangis mystacidii usually grows better and its pendent flower spikes and blossoms 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.
Miscellaneous notes:
In the South African habitat, plants bloom in late summer or early autumn.
References:
This information is quoted from a Charles and Margaret Baker culture sheet, with permission from Troy Meyers
