Aerangis Citrata

If you’re looking for a small orchid that fills a room with a sweet, evening scent, you might have just found your perfect match. The Aerangis citrata is a fragrant and delicate orchid that is surprisingly manageable for growers of many levels. This charming plant, native to Madagascar, offers a cloud of white, star-shaped flowers and a lovely fragrance that makes it a special addition to any collection.

Its compact size means it doesn’t demand much space, and with a few key tips, you can keep it thriving and blooming for years to come. Let’s look at how to care for this beautiful species.

This orchid is a miniature to small-sized monopodial epiphyte, meaning it grows from a single stem. It’s known for its short stem that carries a modest number of fleshy, dark green leaves. The real show begins when the long, pendulous inflorescence emerges, dripping with up to 30 small, crystalline white flowers. The scent is often compared to citrus or jasmine, becoming strongest in the evening to attract its moth pollinators.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Getting the environment right is the most important step for a healthy plant. Aerangis citrata has specific needs, but they are easy to meet once you understand them.

Light Requirements

This orchid prefers bright, indirect light. Think of the light under a shaded tree.

An east-facing window is often perfect.
A south or west window is okay if the light is filtered by a sheer curtain.
Too much direct sun will quickly scorch the leaves, causing yellow or brown patches.
Too little light will result in dark green, floppy leaves and few to no flowers.

Temperature & Humidity

As an intermediate to warm-growing orchid, it enjoys consistent warmth and good humidity.

Daytime temperatures: 70-80°F (21-27°C).
Nighttime temperatures: A drop to 60-65°F (15-18°C) is beneficial, especially in fall to initiate flower spikes.
Humidity: Aim for 60-70%. This is crucial. You can use a humidifier, a pebble tray filled with water, or group it with other plants.
Good air movement is essential to prevent fungal issues in these humid conditions—a gentle fan helps.

Planting and Potting Medium

Aerangis citrata is typically grown mounted or in small, well-aerated pots. Its roots love to cling to surfaces and need to dry relatively quickly after watering.

Mounting: This is a popular and attractive method.

Choose a mount like cork bark, tree fern plaque, or a branch of hard wood.
Place a small pad of moisture-retentive material (like sphagnum moss or coconut fiber) under where the plant will sit.
Secure the plant gently to the mount using fishing line, non-copper wire, or nylon stockings. The roots will eventually attach.
Hang the mount where it gets appropriate light and humidity.

Potting: If you prefer a pot, choose a small one.

Use a very open mix, such as large-chunk bark, sphagnum moss mixed with perlite, or specialized orchid potting media.
Plastic or clay pots both work; ensure they have ample drainage holes.
Repot only when the medium breaks down or the plant outgrows its space, which may be every 2-3 years. Be careful with the fragile roots.

Watering and Feeding Your Orchid

Watering is where most new growers face challenges. The goal is consistent moisture without sogginess.

Watering Routine

Water thoroughly when the moss or medium is just approaching dryness. On a mount, this may mean daily in hot weather or every couple days in cooler, humid weather.
For potted plants, water when the top of the medium feels dry.
Use lukewarm water, preferably rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water. Tap water is okay if it’s low in minerals.
Soak the entire mount or pot for 5-10 minutes, then let it drain completely. Never let the plant sit in water.

Fertilizing Schedule

Feed weakly, weekly during the active growing season (spring through summer).

Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) or one with a higher nitrogen content for growth.
Dilute the fertilizer to 1/4 or 1/2 the strength recommended on the label.
Apply it when you water. Flush the medium with plain water once a month to prevent salt buildup from the fertilizer.
Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when growth slows.

Encouraging Blooms

The sight and scent of its flowers are the main reward. Here’s how to encourage regular blooming.

Ensure it gets enough bright, indirect light—this is the number one factor for blooming.
Provide that slight nighttime temperature drop in the autumn.
Maintain high humidity and consistent watering during spike development.
Avoid repotting when a flower spike is forming, as this can cause bud blast (the buds drying up and falling off).

Once the flowers fade, you can cut the old spike near the base. The plant will produce a new spike from the leaf axil when it’s ready.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, small issues can arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellowing Leaves

Older leaves: Natural aging; they will yellow and fall off over time.
Newer leaves: Often a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or sometimes insufficient light. Check your watering habits and the root health.

Root Issues

Healthy roots are silvery-green when dry and green when wet. Mushy, brown roots indicate rot from overwatering. Dry, shriveled roots mean underwatering or low humidity.

If root rot occurs, remove the plant from its medium, cut away all mushy roots with sterile tools, and repot or remount in fresh medium. Adjust your watering.

Pests

Watch for common orchid pests.

Scale: Small, brown, bumpy insects on leaves. Remove with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Mealybugs: White, cottony masses. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites: Cause fine stippling on leaves. Increase humidity and use miticides if needed.

Good air circulation and quarantine for new plants helps prevent most infestations.

Propagation Methods

Propagating Aerangis citrata is typically done by removing keikis (plantlets). This species sometimes produces keikis on old flower spikes or at the base of the plant.

Wait until the keiki has developed several roots that are at least 2-3 inches long.
Using a sterile knife or scissors, carefully cut the keiki away from the mother plant, including its roots.
Mount or pot the keiki in a small container with appropriate medium, just like an adult plant.
Keep it in a warm, humid environment while it establishes. Mist it lightly if needed to prevent the tiny roots from drying out.

FAQ Section

How often does Aerangis citrata bloom?

With good care, it typically blooms once per year, often in late spring or summer. The flowers can last for several weeks, especially in cool conditions.

Why are the buds on my citrata orchid falling off?

This is called “bud blast.” Common causes are sudden changes in environment (temperature, light, humidity), underwatering during bud development, or exposure to drafts or fumes (like from ripening fruit or gas).

Can I grow this orchid in a terrarium?

Yes, Aerangis citrata is an excellent candidate for a terrarium or orchidarium due to its small size and love for high, constant humidity. Just ensure there is excellent air circulation inside to prevent mold.

What’s the difference between Aerangis citrata and Aerangis luteoalba var. rhodosticta?

They are closely related but distinct. A. citrata has all-white flowers. A. luteoalba var. rhodosticta has white flowers with a bright orange or red column (the central reproductive structure), making it very striking. Their care is very similar.

My plant’s leaves are wrinkled. What should I do?

Wrinkled leaves usually indicate dehydration. This can be from underwatering, but more often it’s because the roots are damaged (from rot or old age) and cannot take up water, even if the medium is wet. Check the root system and address any rot, or increase watering frequency if the roots are healthy but dry.

Caring for an Aerangis citrata is a rewarding experience. Its fragrant and delicate nature brings a unique peice of Madagascar into your home. By providing the right balance of light, warmth, humidity, and water, you’ll be gifted with its graceful, scented blooms season after season. Pay attention to its signals, and you’ll enjoy this lovely orchid for many years.