How to Grow Aerangis Macrocentra in a Basket

Aerangis macrocentra is a temperature-tolerant, miniature orchid species native to tropical Africa and eastern coastal and central Madagascar. Like other orchids in the Aerangidinae family, it is an epiphyte, meaning that it grows non-parasitically on other plants, such as trees, and derives moisture and nutrients from rain and air. Because of its growing habits and trailing white blossoms, Aerangis macrocentra is an orchid ideally suited to growing in baskets. While commonly grown in expensive wood baskets made from teak, orchids fare just as well in coir-lined wire baskets.

Coir-lined wire basket
Orchid bark
Cork slab
Sphagnum moss
Spray bottle filled with water
Small paint brush
Clear monofilament thread
Needle
Drip pan
Organic fertilizer formulated for orchids

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the plastic wrapping from the orchids, or remove a potted orchid from its container. Shake the plant gently to dislodge any large potting medium pieces. Clean the roots using a soft brush.
- 2
  Place orchid bark or a cork slab in the bottom of the coir basket. Dampen the sphagnum moss by spritzing it lightly with the water bottle. Fill any cracks or crevices with the pre-moistened moss, and add a thin layer of moss over the entire medium surface.
- 3
  Place the orchid roots on top of the moss. Thread the needle with a long length of monofilament thread. Feed the needle through one side of the coir basket. Leave a 4-inch tail of monofilament hanging on the outside edge. Lay the monofilament on top of the orchid roots and feed the other end out the other side of the basket. Move the needle over about an inch, feed it back through the coir wall, across the roots and back out the other side of the basket. Tie the two ends of the monofilament together to secure the roots in the medium. Spray the roots with water.
- 4
  Place in a warm area that receives filtered sunlight and good air circulation. Aerangis macrocentra prefer warm temperatures with plenty of air circulation; hanging the basket allows more air to circulate through the roots. The ideal temperature range for Aerangis macrocentra is from 59 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to a high of 98 degrees in the summer, though most do best at moderate temperatures.
- 5
  Fertilize with a well-balanced fertilizer throughout the orchid's growing period. Orchids are heavy feeders, but potting materials for orchids do not provide any nutrients. Apply a fertilizer with high nitrogen content in the spring and a general all-purpose fertilizer during the summer. Reduce or discontinue feeding during the winter. Mix and apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- 6
  Water heavily from late spring to early autumn while they are actively growing; reduce the watering amount in the winter. Allow the orchid to partially dry out between waterings, but do not let it dry out completely. Water on a daily basis in slightly drier or warmer climates.

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