Aerides multiflora

Also known as: The Multi or Aerides multiflora h.f. rosea Aerides affine h.f. alba Aerides affine h.v. lobbii Aerides affine h.v. godefroijae Aerides hughii Aerides multiflora var. godefroyana Aerides affinis Cleisostoma vacherotiana Aerides multiflora var. dactyloides Aerides multiflora var. veitchii Aerides veitchii Aerides lobbii Aerides affine Aerides godefroyana Aerides multiflora var. lobbii In Thailand - Aiyaret - Phuang Malai in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Bhutan Cambodia Sikkim - India Thailand

General Information

The Multi is a small monopodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Bhutan, Cambodia, India, and Thailand.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 10-25cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery arching, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-25cm long

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 546mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 51% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 9C to 29C, highest in April (23C to 29C) and lowest in January (9C to 21C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Tree trunks, Fern slabs or Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.