Plant Category: Congo

Aerangis arachnopus is an orchid species from tropical Africa.  In the wild, Aerangis arachnopus orchids grow as part of the ecosystem in evergreen forests in the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Zaire.  Aerangis arachnopus plants are usually found in a range from 400m to 1000m above sea level.

Like many orchids, Aerangis arachnopus plants grow as epiphytes.  Aerangis arachnopus orchids don’t grow in the soil, as terrestrial plants do; instead, epiphytic plants use their roots to attach themselves to the branches and trunks of trees. 

Aubergines (also known as Eggplant or by the plant’s botanical name, Solanum melogena) are tender plants that need warmth and bright sunshine if they’re to thrive.  Sow aubergine seeds in pots of peat-free compost, inside a heated propagator or glasshouse, from January to April.  Ensure your seedlings are grown in an area that enjoys bright light.

From the end of May or beginning of June, (when there is no risk of cold temperatures or frost) if you garden in a warm area, aubergine plants can be hardened off (brought out from the glasshouse during the daytime and then taken back inside again at night for a couple of weeks), before being planted outside in a warm, bright and sunny area. 

Aerangis calantha is a miniature, epiphytic orchid species that can be found growing in a variety of locations including: the Congo, Africa, Angola, and Uganda.  Before humans encroached into and altered the landscape of this orchid’s natural habitat and environment, Aerangis calantha could be found growing upon the native trees of its homelands’ landscape.  Sadly many of these indigenous trees have since been cut down and removed, to create more land for farming. 

Angraecum bancoense is a miniature, epiphytic orchid species, which can be found growing on trees, in very humid areas, in various parts of Africa.  This pretty miniature orchid species is often found growing upon deciduous trees, near ponds or waterfalls, or in rainforest areas, but this orchid can also be found growing in reserves and mountainous forests.  Plants flourish in soft, gentle lighting and semi shaded areas. 

Aerangis luteoalba var. rhodosticta is a miniature epiphytic orchid species that originates from Kenya and Africa.  This beautiful and very distinctive miniature orchid produces attractive white, crystalline flowers, which have a bright orange-red column, or centre.

Aerangis luteoalba var. rhodosticta plants enjoy growing in warm, humid conditions, where they can enjoy bright, filtered, indirect light.

For more detailed information about the care and preferred growing conditions of Aerangis luteoalba var.

Angraecum distichum is a miniature sized, epiphytic orchid species, which can be found growing upon trees and plants in a shaded locations in areas of rainforest.  This orchid species can be discovered growing upon trees, which are found growing over a wide range of tropical locations, from the Congo to Angola, Rwanda, and across Africa.

Angraecum distichum favours very humid growing conditions.