Aerides crassifolia orchid

50 seeds

1. Environment and Climate Control

• Light: Provide bright, filtered light (50-60% shade), with some direct morning sun being beneficial. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
• Temperature: Maintain day temperatures between 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). A distinct night-time temperature drop is necessary to stimulate flowering.
• Humidity: Aim for high humidity, between 60% and 80%. In a dry climate, use a humidity tray or mist the plants frequently, especially in the morning.
• Air Circulation: Ensure excellent airflow at all times to prevent fungal diseases, which are common in high humidity environments. 

• Potting/Mounting: These orchids are epiphytes (grow on trees) and their roots need air exposure. They grow exceptionally well when mounted on cork bark or grown in slatted baskets with very little or no potting mix.
• Medium: If potting in a container, use a very coarse, fast-draining orchid mix (large pieces of fir bark, charcoal, perlite, and/or coconut husk fiber) to ensure the roots dry quickly after watering. 

• Watering: Water thoroughly in the morning during the active growing season (spring through autumn), but allow the roots to dry out relatively well between waterings. Aerides crassifolia is native to drier regions and is sensitive to excessive water, especially in cold or cloudy weather. Reduce watering significantly during the winter rest period.
• Water Quality: Use rainwater or filtered water if tap water has high mineral salts.
• Fertilizing: During the active growing season, feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 NPK) diluted to half strength every 1 to 2 weeks. A high-phosphate fertilizer (e.g., 6-30-30) can be used leading up to the flowering season to stimulate buds.