Aerangis orchids

Aerangis is a genus of African and Madagascan epiphytes with around fifty species, all bearing white or cream flowers with long curving nectar spurs. The flowers are often intensely fragrant at night, a pollination signal for the hawkmoths whose long proboscises match the length of the spur. Plants grow monopodially, with strap-shaped leaves in two ranks and prominent aerial roots.

The genus is treasured by collectors of African orchids and by growers who enjoy the minimalist aesthetic of pale flowers against dark leaves. Many species flower reliably in cultivation given the right conditions.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): medium to bright indirect light (1,800 to 2,500 footcandles), warm temperatures (nights 18 °C), high humidity (65 to 80 percent), regular watering with good drying between. Mounted on cork or grown in small pots with fine bark. Many species appreciate year-round warmth and steady humidity.

Species include Aerangis citrata, Aerangis fastuosa, Aerangis luteoalba var. rhodosticta (with a striking contrasting orange column), and Aerangis biloba. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.