AERIPD ES 
This genus, one of the most charming, is indigenous generally to the eastern 
tropical countries of the Northern Hemisphere, although one or two varieties are 
sometimes found on the southern side of the Equator. Although found in tropical 
countries, they are dwellers in the higher altitudes, and this factor must be kept 
in mind when their cultivation is undertaken. All the species are epiphytes and 
are typical air plants. It is recorded that a plant of Aerides odoratum lived and 
flowered for years when suspended from the ceiling of a house in Cochin-China, 
although it was given no form of nourishment—not even water—during that 
period. It is obvious, therefore, that any potting compost used should be so open 
that an ample circulation of air is available to the roots at all times. Dr. A. L. 
Waddell, in one of his interesting books on Sikkim and Nepal, refers to Aerides 
growing upon “the dripping bark of tall Oaks, Ilex and Magnolias” at an ele- 
vation of from 6000 to 8000 feet above sea level. The month was October, which 
is the end of the rainy season in Sikkim. 
The standard compost for the growing of Aerides is a mixture of large pieces of 
charcoal and crocks up to about 1} inches from the top of the pot or basket, the 
stem of the plant being firmly seated therein. The surface of the pot is then 
topped with a layer of sphagnum moss. The addition of peat or fibre and also 
of large pieces of well dried cow-dung are satisfactory variations. There is no 
reason why Aerides should not be grown on blocks or rafts. This method of 
treatment would allow of abundant watering at the right seasons without risk 
of damage—in any case, the drainage of any container must be free. As will be 
seen in the underlying tables of rainfall, some of these species get up to 100 inches 
of rain per month at certain times of the year in their native habitat. To give a 
potted plant this quantity of water would be to court disaster, but probably a 
blocked or rafted plant could stand it, providing air circulation was satisfactory. 
The species of Aerides most generally cultivated are:— 
AERIDES CRASSIFOLIUM. 
This is a virile species with a thick, upright stem, the leaves being extremely 
coriaceous, deep green in colour and about eight inches long. The flowers, which 
are numerous, are borne on long, drooping racemes. Sepals and petals rosy purple— 
lip deep purple. Sweetly scented. This species is fairly widespread, having been 
reported from Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Assam and Upper Burma. Its requirements 
are very similar to those of multiflorum, but it needs rather less moisture in the 
Summer. It will stand bushhouse treatment all the year round in Brisbane, providing 
it is protected from cold draughts and frosts in the Winter months. As far 
south as Sydney, bushhouse treatment in the warmer months with removal to the 
glasshouse as soon as the cold weather commences in the Autumn. In places 
north of Brisbane it requires cool treatment all the year round, Watering must 
be reduced to a minimum in the Winter months, but providing free drainage is 
given it, unlimited water can be applied in the middle of Summer. 
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