Overview of Aerangis coriacea Summerh.
Aerangis coriacea Summerh. is an orchid species belonging to the family Orchidaceae. It is native to Tanzania, Africa, particularly in the East African coastal forests. The plant is also commonly known as the Tough-leaved Aerangis.
Appearance
Aerangis coriacea Summerh. is a small-sized epiphytic orchid that prefers growing in a shaded environment. The plant produces a compact cluster of foliage that takes a fan-shaped form, and the fleshy, oblong leaves grow about 7-10 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The plant produces flowers with small petals that emerge from a long, slim spur from the pedicel. The petals and sepals are yellowish-green with brownish-red to purple spots and markings. The flowers produce a pleasant, perfumed smell.
Uses
The Aerangis coriacea Summerh. is primarily grown as an ornamental plant. Its small size makes it ideal for small gardens, and it is often grown commercially for use as a cut flower to produce floral arrangements. The plant is also grown in greenhouses and conservatory conditions.
Some African communities use the Aerangis coriacea Summerh. as a medicinal plant. The leaves and roots are boiled to make a concoction that is used to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, fever, and coughs.
The plant is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal care. It needs adequate water, humidity, and air circulation to thrive.
Light Requirements
Aerangis coriacea Summerh. is an epiphytic orchid that requires bright, yet filtered light. It thrives well in indirect sunlight, or under shade cloth in areas with intense sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight can lead to sunburns and cause foliage to turn yellow.
Temperature Requirements
Aerangis coriacea Summerh. grows best between 20°C and 28°C during the day, and 12°C to 20°C at night. The plant cannot tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations, and it is highly recommended to maintain the ideal temperature range for optimal growth. Temperatures above 30°C and below 10°C can cause damage to the plant.
Humidity Requirements
Aerangis coriacea Summerh. is a high humidity plant that requires a relative humidity of 70% to 80% to thrive well. It is recommended to place a humidifier as close to the plant as possible, or surround it with a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity levels around the plant.
Air Circulation Requirements
Aerangis coriacea Summerh. needs a constant supply of fresh air to promote good growth and prevent disease. Adequate air movement can be achieved by an oscillating fan placed near the plant, or by keeping the windows open. Stagnant air can lead to pest infestation and fungal growth, which can cause irreparable damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Aerangis coriacea Summerh. is an epiphytic orchid that does not require soil to grow. It grows best in well-draining media such as sphagnum moss, bark chips, or a combination of the two. The media should be kept moist but not soggy, and it should allow air to circulate around the roots.
Cultivation
Aerangis coriacea Summerh. is an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants but does not take nutrients from them. It is essential to replicate the natural conditions of its habitat when cultivating Aerangis coriacea Summerh. in your home. Here are the best conditions for cultivating Aerangis coriacea Summerh.:
- Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C)
- Humidity: 70-80%
- Light: Bright, indirect light
Watering needs
Water is essential to the growth of Aerangis coriacea Summerh., but care must be taken not to overwater the plant. Here are some watering tips:
- Water once a week or when the potting mix is almost dry.
- Avoid letting the roots of the plants sit in standing water, as it could lead to root rot.
- Mist the aerial roots of the plant to increase humidity around the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Aerangis coriacea Summerh. is necessary to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for growth. Here are some tips on fertilization:
- Fertilize once every 2-3 weeks with a balanced orchid fertilizer.
- Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength before use.
- Fertilize during the growing season from spring to early fall.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to remove dead or damaged parts of the plant. Here are some tips on pruning Aerangis coriacea Summerh.:
- Use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid transmitting infections to the plant.
- Prune during the plant's dormant season to avoid damaging the plant while it's actively growing.
- Remove dead or yellowing leaves from the plant's base.
Propagation of Aerangis coriacea Summerh.
The propagation of Aerangis coriacea Summerh. can be done through various methods:
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common propagation method for Aerangis coriacea is through seed propagation. Collect the seed capsules once they have matured and spread them out onto a seed raising mix.
Make sure the mix is moist and not too wet. Cover the container with plastic to keep the moisture in and allow the seeds to germinate at room temperature.
Once the seedlings develop and have at least two pairs of leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots and continue to grow them. Note that it may take a long time for the plants to mature and flower.
Division
Another propagation method is through division of the plant. To do this, gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully separate its rhizome into sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and leaves, and replant in new pots.
Make sure to keep the new plants in a spot with bright, indirect light and water them regularly to promote growth.
Back bulb propagation
Lastly, back bulb propagation or division can also be done. Back bulbs, or old and mature bulbs that are no longer actively growing, can be separated from the main plant and transplanted into new pots with fresh potting mix.
Since back bulbs have already stored nutrients, they can produce new growth and eventually become new plants.
Disease and pest management for Aerangis coriacea Summerh.
Aerangis coriacea Summerh. is relatively a hardy plant, but like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. It is crucial to be vigilant and keep the plant healthy throughout its growth cycle. Proper planting techniques and good orchid management practices such as sanitation and proper cultural care, help to prevent diseases and pests from becoming too severe. Below is an overview of common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Diseases management
The most common diseases affecting Aerangis coriacea Summerh. are fungal diseases such as leaf spot and root rot. Leaf spot manifests itself through yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually turns brown and dry. The disease is caused by a fungus, spread by airborne spores or infected plant debris. Root rot, on the other hand, causes the roots to rot and turn brown. The disease is usually caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or bacterial and fungal infection.
To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves as soon as possible. Use a fungicide with active ingredients such as triforine, copper, or captan to prevent the disease from spreading. Ensure that the plant has proper ventilation and avoid wetting the foliage, especially during watering. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure the pot has proper drainage. Repot the plant into fresh media and remove all rotten roots. Apply a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest management
The most common pests affecting Aerangis coriacea Summerh. are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites are tiny sap-sucking insects that cause damage by piercing the leaves and extracting nutrients. Affected leaves become mottled, yellow, and eventually fall off. Mealybugs and scale insects are sucking insects that secrete a white, waxy substance that covers their bodies. The insects cause damage by sapping out the plant sap, causing stunted growth, and eventual death.
To manage spider mites, use a miticide with active ingredients such as pyridaben, abamectin, or spiromesifen. Ensure that the plant has proper ventilation and avoids hot and dry conditions, which encourage mite infestation. To manage mealybugs and scale insects, use an insecticide with active ingredients such as pyrethrin, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Apply the insecticide to all parts of the plant and repeat the process after seven to ten days.
Overall, proper orchid management and good sanitation practices help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests in Aerangis coriacea Summerh. It is essential to keep the plant healthy and maintain proper cultural care, watering, and fertilization to prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests.
