Read more of Cultivation of Aeranthes grandiflora Lindl.,
Culture:
Light:
1000-1500 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 79-80F (26-27C), and nights average 67-68F (19-20C), with a diurnal range of 12F (7C). The range in habitat elevation indicates that these plants should adapt to temperatures up to 6-8F (3-4C) warmer or cooler than indicated in the preceding climate table. Hillerman & Holst (1986) reported that, "Temperatures in the intermediate range are very suitable, but there are indications that it would do equally well (if not better) in a warm house."
Humidity:
80-85% year-round.
Water:
Rainfall is heavy most of the year except for a brief, slightly drier period in spring. In some locations, however, the dry season is longer and more severe than indicated in the preceding climate table. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily when actively growing, but drainage must be excellent, and conditions around the roots should never become stale or soggy.
Fertilizer:
1/4–1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when plants are actively growing. Many growers 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 69-71F (20-22C), and nights average 58-60F (14-16C), with a diurnal range of 10-12F (6-7C). Growers are reminded that these plants should adapt to conditions up to 6-8F (3-4C) warmer or cooler than indicated. Hillerman & Holst (1986) reported that, "Temperatures in the intermediate range are very suitable, but there are indications that it would do equally well (if not better) in a warm house." Rainfall in some parts of the habitat is much lower in winter that is indicated in the preceding climate table. Even in these areas, however, considerable extra moisture is available from heavy dew and mist. Water should be reduced for cultivated plants in winter, especially those grown in the dark, short-day conditions common in temperate latitudes or those grown in cooler conditions. They should never be allowed to remain without water for long periods, however. Hillerman & Holst (1986) reported that, "Like other species of Aeranthes, it does not like to be kept too dry; the medium should be moist most of the time, but not soggy." If water is reduced, fertilizer should also be reduced.
Growing media:
Plants may be grown in shallow, well-drained containers or mounted on tree-fern slabs. Mounted plants need high humidity, however, and during hot, dry weather they may need several waterings a day. If it is difficult to keep mounted plants moist enough, they may be grown in a shallow pot or basket filled with a very open, fast-draining medium that has excellent drainage, is well aerated, and allows the medium to dry fairly rapidly after watering. Growers generally use medium-sized fir bark, but Hillerman & Holst (1986) reported that plants grow well in a pot filled with "Husky Fiber, sphagnum moss, or even pure coarse perlite. A 5-inch pot is ample." Including charcoal in the mix also holds the medium open and prevents souring in the pot. Plants should be repotted immediately if the medium starts to break down or whenever the plant outgrows its container. Repotting should be done just as new roots start to grow. This 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
