Birds in Flight
Fall is in the air here in the Orchid Garden and I have been watching the birds. It is the time of year I see many different species of birds beginning their annual migration south for the winter. Geese, ducks and pelicans fly in groups forming great flocks, which is a site to behold in the autumn sky. Watching them reminds me of a special group of orchids named Aerangis. Aerangis are known as "Birds in Flight." When you see the spectacular display of blooms, you may agree they look like a graceful and elegant "Flight of Doves." The flowers of many of the Aerangis species are produced in succession until the entire flower spike is full of graceful flowers with sepals and petals curving back, and their lips bending forward, the blossoms form the impression of a flight of birds.
Aerangis species are naturally found in Madagascar and tropical Africa ranging from the very high, moist, and steamy elevations down to low semiarid areas. Aerangis species are small to medium orchids which produce very fragrant white or cream colored blossoms. Some species like (Aerangis hyolides ) produce blossoms shaped like birds while other species like (Aerangis curnowiana) have blossoms shaped like stars with long flowing spurs, much like the Angraecum. Of course, with most orchids, some just have to be different and break the rules. The Aerangis species are no exception. Some have leaves that form small fans and love to be mounted, while others have alternating leaves on upright stems. Looking at them side by side you would not believe they belonged to the same genus.
The Aerangis species are not hard to grow and because most are small in size, they make good orchids for the home, orchid cases or if your greenhouse is full, you can always find room for just "ONE MORE" of these little beauties. They love to be mounted on slabs of cork or tree fern so their roots can dangle free in the breeze. They will also grow in pots if you use a fast draining media like medium bark. They do not like to be soggy and the roots will rot very quickly. Provide strong air movement for them, much like the birds in flight, they also like wind beneath their wings...ah...leaves.
The Aerangis species are primarily epiphytic with just a few being lithophytic. They have a vandaceous or phalaenopsoid growing habit. Below are some general cultural tips to use as a guideline. Check the cultural requirements for the species you are growing.
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