Aerangis somalensis (Schltr.) Schltr.
Aerangis somalensis is a species of epiphytic orchid native to Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa. It is also commonly found in Ethiopia and Kenya.
Common names
The plant is commonly called Somali Aerangis orchid or simply Somali orchid.
Appearance
The plant has a small size, with a height of around 20cm and a width of 10cm. It has long and wiry leafless stems with fleshy leaves that grow in between them. The plant produces long-lasting flowers with white petals and greenish sepals, which can grow up to 3cm in diameter.
Uses
The plant is popular among orchid enthusiasts for its unique and attractive appearance. It is typically grown as an ornamental plant, either indoors or in tropical gardens, and can be used for decoration on special occasions. The plant also has potential medicinal properties as some in the Aerangis family is known to possess various anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities.
Light Requirements
Aerangis somalensis is an epiphytic plant that grows naturally in forests, which means it needs bright but indirect light to thrive. You can grow the plant indoors or outdoors, but ensure that it's not exposed to direct sunlight. Place the plant near a window that doesn't face east, west, or south. You might also consider providing artificial light if you're growing your Aerangis somalensis indoors.
Temperature Requirements
Aerangis somalensis thrives in warm temperatures, with the ideal range being 18 to 28°C. The plant is not frost-tolerant and should be protected during the cold months. You might consider using a heat pad if the temperature drops below 15°C, as low temperatures can cause your Aerangis somalensis to stop growing or even die.
Soil and Water Requirements
Aerangis somalensis is an epiphytic orchid that does not grow in soil. Instead, it's naturally found growing on trees and other plants. It's best to grow Aerangis somalensis in a pot with a well-draining orchid mix, consisting of bark, sphagnum moss, or perlite. When watering your plant, ensure that the potting media is sufficiently damp but not soaking wet. Water your Aerangis somalensis about once a week, but reduce the watering in winter when the plant growth slows.
Cultivation
Aerangis somalensis is an epiphytic orchid that grows in the wild by attaching itself to trees. Therefore, it requires a well-draining medium, as it will not thrive in soil. It is best grown in small containers or mounted on cork or bark, allowing it the ventilation and air needed for root growth. Aerangis somalensis prefers bright but indirect light and temperatures between 60°F-75°F.
Watering Needs
This orchid requires regular watering that mimics its natural environment, which means frequent but light watering, rather than occasional heavy watering. The medium should be allowed to dry out before the next watering, and its roots should be kept moist. Use only distilled or rainwater to prevent damaging the roots because of the plant's sensitivity to minerals found in tap water.
Fertilization
Aerangis somalensis doesn't need an excess of nutrients but does require regular fertilization to aid its growth. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer weekly, diluted in water to half its recommended strength. Only feed the plant when it is actively growing, typically in spring and summer, to prevent fertilizer burn to the root system.
Pruning
Pruning this plant is only necessary when it has outgrown its container or supporting surface, or if there are dead or diseased roots or leaves. When re-potting, remove dead roots and untangle any impacted roots, trimming sparingly. Trimming the leaves should be avoided unless necessary to prevent injury to the plant.
Propagation of Aerangis somalensis
Aerangis somalensis (Schltr.) Schltr. is a rare orchid species native to East Africa. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful white flowers and sweet fragrance. Propagation of this plant can be done using two main methods, which include:
1. Division
Propagation by division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of leaves and roots. This method is usually used for more mature plants that have outgrown their pot or container. You can also divide the plant when it has formed several pseudobulbs since each one can grow into a new plant. To propagate this plant through division:
- Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently tease the roots apart, separating the pseudobulbs from each other.
- Ensure each section has healthy roots and leaves, and then repot them into individual containers using suitable potting mix.
- Water the newly potted plants and place them in a shaded area until new growth appears.
2. Seed propagation
Seed propagation involves collecting mature seeds from the plant and then germinating them in a suitable medium. This method can be a bit challenging as the seeds require specific conditions to germinate. The steps to propagate this plant through seed include:
- Collect the mature seeds from the plant and remove the outer covering.
- Clean the seeds using a sterilized knife and place them in a sterile germination medium such as sphagnum moss or vermiculite.
- Keep the germination medium moist and warm, ideally at 25-30°C.
- Keep the seeds in partial shade, away from direct sunlight until they germinate.
- Once the seeds have germinated, transplant the seedlings into individual containers using suitable potting mix and place them in a well-lit but shaded area until they mature.
Both division and seed propagation methods can be successful in propagating Aerangis somalensis. However, Division is the easiest and fastest way to propagate this plant when compared to seed propagation.
Disease Management for Aerangis somalensis
Like most plants, Aerangis somalensis is susceptible to a range of diseases. The most common of these include:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease presents as brown or black spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing affected plant parts and applying a fungicide.
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering, root rot is characterized by yellowing leaves and a foul smell around the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and ensure that the plant is potted in well-draining soil.
- Crown Rot: This bacterial disease manifests as a soft, mushy crown and blackened leaf bases. It can be managed by removing affected plant parts and applying a bactericide.
The key to preventing disease in Aerangis somalensis is to maintain good cultural practices, including proper watering and fertilization, and making sure that the plant is not overcrowded, as this can promote the spread of disease.
Pest Management for Aerangis somalensis
A number of pests can also affect Aerangis somalensis. These include:
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on plant sap and cause tiny yellow spots on the leaves. They can be managed by washing the plant with a gentle soap and water solution and applying an insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy insects that live in colonies on the plant. They can be managed by wiping the plant down with rubbing alcohol and removing any heavily infested plant parts.
- Scale: Scale insects are small, shell-like pests that cling to the underside of leaves and stems. They can be managed by wiping the plant down with rubbing alcohol and removing any heavily infested plant parts.
The key to preventing pest infestations is to regularly inspect Aerangis somalensis for signs of pests, and to isolate any infested plants to prevent the spread of pests to other plants.
