Aerides

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. From the Himalayas to Southern Vietnam, found mainly in Asia: India, Nepal, Southern China, Southeast Asia, Philippines, New Guinea.

Description. Aerides are monopodial large epiphytic orchids, closely related to vandas, with the exception  of Aerides krabviensis, which is a lithophyte. They have one stem up to 60 cm in height, which grows from the roots and do not have pseudobulbs. Thick, fleshy aerial roots are often found on the stem, and may hang down to the outside of the pot.

The leaves are pale green, leathery, belt-shaped, growing vertically along the entire trunk in 2 rows. Peduncles 10 - 15 cm in height appear from the leaf axils in spring and summer, bearing dense racemose inflorescences containing up to seven waxy flowers about 5 cm in diameter. Flowering is very long - from 2 weeks to several months. The flowers are creamy white with crimson spots, very fragrant. 

Sepals and petals are yellowish-green to creamy yellow. The short, elongated green-yellow lip has purple or red stripes. Morphologically they are very similar to Wanda.

Height. 15 - 60 cm.

Aerides - home care

Temperature conditions

Standard room temperature (20 - 22° C), reduce the temperature slightly at night. 

Lighting

In a very bright place, but preferably out of direct sunlight. When there is insufficient lighting, they bloom reluctantly. Additional lighting is possible in winter.

Care

Cultivated in a greenhouse or in a “tropical” window flower garden.

Substrate for orchids

Well-drained soils, fern fibers, pine bark, sphagnum.

Feeding

During the growing season, use fertilizer in half the concentration.

Purpose

Looks very good in hanging baskets, used for cutting.

Flowering time

The orchid blooms from early summer to mid-autumn, and can bloom 2 or 3 times a year, under good conditions. Flowering is promoted by bright light and cool nights.

Air humidity

Aerides like well-ventilated rooms and fairly high air humidity - 50 - 80 percent. You can put the pot in a tray with wet pebbles; be sure to spray the flower daily, especially the aerial roots.

Water orchids at home

Maintain moderate humidity by watering with soft water. Under no circumstances should the earthen ball be allowed to dry out.

Transfer

As needed. When replanting, it is very important not to damage the delicate root system. Good drainage is necessary.

Reproduction

Reproduction can mainly be done by specialists. Propagated by stem cuttings, which are separated from the plant with a sterile instrument and transplanted into moist, well-drained soil, preferably with the use of growth hormones. 

Pests and diseases

Problems are usually related to insufficient light and humidity or improper watering. Try to keep the roots moist at all times, but not soggy, which leads to root rot. Brown spots on the foliage may be burns from direct sunlight, or, more likely, this is how the disease manifests itself - leaf spot.

Of the harmful insects, the main danger may be mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. If you take the flower outside in the warm season. then it can also be attacked by slugs and snails.