Aerides multiflora - Fox Brush Orchid

Vandaceous

by Anu Dharmani

Originally published in BellaOnline

Posted by Sys Admin over 7 years ago.


This article references Aer. multiflora.
Article Blog   Article Index

Aerides multiflora is a beautiful orchid and it grows in the tropical Asia, from India to Thailand. 

Taxonomic details (scientific names and local names): A few of the other names of this orchid are Aerides multiflorum, Aerides affine, Aerides godefroyana, Cleisostoma vacherotiana, Epidendrum geniculatum. Locally also it is known by different names in different regions. The English name is fox brush orchid or Cat’s tail orchid; in India it is called Banda (Munda), maana, Lawhlengpar and in Thailand it is called Aiyaret. 

Physical description: An epiphyte, it grows in tropical to temperate climates. It has a monopodial orchid. This orchid grows as an erect plant when young, but as it ages it tends to become pendulous (just like us!). Another interesting feature of this orchid is that in winter the dark green leaves take on a reddish tinge. Evergreen leaves are fleshy.

Flowering details: The flowers are beautiful and sometimes produce a pleasant scent (my never does, though). They grow from June to July, in a pendulous inflorescence which grows longer than the leaves. The flowers are densely arranged in the inflorescence. They are pink coloured, further bearing spots of darker pink. 

Cultivation
1. Light: This orchid can tolerate bright sunlight, but if you are planning to give it that then remember also to provide a very high humidity. 
2. Watering: It likes high watering, with proper drainage. Show good growth in higher humidity.
3. Air circulation: A. multiflora being an epiphyte loves good air circulation. Hanging the plant outdoors is a good option, in your verandas, porches, terraces, balconies etc. 
4. Growth medium: If you are growing these in hanging baskets then a mixture of moss, fern chips and charcoal. Tree barks can also be used, but avoid the bark of Quercus (Oak) which can adversely affect the growth of the orchid.
5. It likes to grow in pure formations in nature. You will not find it growing with other epiphytes (ferns or other orchids). So I will not recommend growing this orchid on the ‘orchid tree’. The fruit pods contain microscopic seeds which are difficult to germinate in environments other than its nature one, as the germination is assisted by the presence of a mycorrhizal fungus. The best way to multiply this orchid is to divide the offshoots growing out from the base. 
6. Fertilization: Depending upon the type of growth medium you are using. With slow releasing mediums fertilization is not very necessary. Though, you can give foliar fertilizers to your orchid. Fertilizer having ratio of 30:10:10 (N:P:K) when the orchid is not flowering and during flowering keep the concentration at 10:20:20 (N:P:K).

Pest and Diseases 
1. Pests: Insects such as Mealy bugs might be growing in the growth medium. Best action is to discard this medium and before putting the orchid in new medium clean the roots with insecticide. Other insects such as spider mites should not be sprayed with insecticide, rather use neem oil, insecticidal soap is a better way to get rid of them. 
2. Diseases: In case viral, fungal or bacterial infections in any of the orchids, quickly place that orchid separately from the rest of your plants. To treat the infected orchid, cut off the infected part with a clean blade. Give the orchid some time to recover and once it bounces back, you can place back with other healthy orchids.

Share on Social Media:  
Log in to Add a Comment

New Topics

  1. Jeanne Uzar Hudson asked question Meetings for Advanced Growers in category General Discussion
  2. kevan gregory asked question how difficult is it growing from seed in category General Discussion
  3. Carmen Britton asked question Information in category General Discussion
  4. Jeanne Uzar Hudson asked question Repotting Large Cattleyas in category Cattleya Alliance
  5. Nancy Shapiro asked question Where did you find this type of orchid pot? in category General Discussion

New Comments

  1. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on topic "Repotting Large Cattleyas" by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  2. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Paph. malipoense by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  3. William Gorski commented on topic "how difficult is it growing from seed" by kevan gregory
  4. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Information " by Carmen Britton
  5. Carol Holdren commented on member plant C. lueddemanniana var. Coerulea, Venosa by Paulo Fiuza
  6. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on topic "Banrot 40WP" by Therese Stecher
  7. Maria Lucia Prieto Real commented on orchid Rlc. Village Chief Armani
  8. Mariana Chacon commented on orchid Gom. Jiaho Queen
  9. Roberto Lizama commented on member plant Max. dillonii by Roberto Lizama
  10. Nancy Speedy commented on scheduled event "2024 Orchid show Martin County "Ocean of Orchids"" by Martin County Orchid Society
  11. Jeanne Uzar Hudson commented on member plant Paph. Fanaticum by Jeanne Uzar Hudson
  12. R .Benson commented on member plant Den. Tianmu Green Elf 'Sweetheart' by R .Benson
  13. Alice Walker commented on article "Oeniella polystachys" by Tom Kuligowski
  14. Kathryn Kersey commented on scheduled event "Boca Raton Orchid Society Show & Sale" by Boca Raton Orchid Society
  15. BJ Lough commented on member plant Asctm. miniatum by BJ Lough
  16. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Where did you find this type of orchid pot?" by Nancy Shapiro
  17. Carol Holdren commented on topic "What is the culture for Cattliante Chongkolnee" by Mike Minney
  18. Linda Thorne commented on member plant Paphiopedilum Munchkin Mopsi Aru by Linda Thorne
  19. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Orchids wanted St.Croix usvi" by Charles H Wood
  20. William Gorski commented on topic "Is this a species or Primary Hybrid?" by William Gorski