Read more of Cultivation of Aeranthes neoperrieri Toill.-Gen., Ursch & Bosser,
Culture:
Light:
1200-2000 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:
Throughout the year, or Summer days average F (C), and nights average F (C), with a diurnal range of F (C).
Humidity:
Near 85% most of the year, dropping to near 80% for 2-3 months in spring.
Water:
Rainfall is very heavy most of the year. Amounts decrease somewhat for a month or so in spring, but the habitat is never truly dry. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but 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 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:
Growing conditions should be maintained all year, or Winter days average F (C), and nights average F (C), with a diurnal range of F (C). In winter, water should be reduced somewhat for most cultivated plants, especially those grown in the dark, short-day conditions common in temperate latitudes. They should never be allowed to dry out completely, however. 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. Hillerman & Holst (1986) reported that plants have been successfully grown when potted in fine fir bark mixes but should be potted in a pot no larger than 5 in. (12 cm). Mixes using shredded tree-fern fiber may also be used, and varying amounts of chunky perlite and/or chopped sphagnum moss may be added to the potting mix to keep the medium open and retain some moisture. 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 as Aeranges species are prone to rot if conditions around the roots become stale. 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
