If you’re looking for a small orchid that fills a room with a sweet scent at night, you’ve found it. The Aerangis citrata is a fragrant and delicate orchid that is surprisingly easy to care for, making it perfect for beginners and experts alike.
This miniature beauty comes from Madagascar. It’s known for its cascading sprays of white or pale yellow flowers and its lovely citrusy fragrance.
We’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your plant thriving. You’ll learn about its ideal light, water, and humidity needs.
Aerangis Citrata
This orchid is an epiphyte, meaning it naturally grows on trees in its forest home. It doesn’t grow in soil. Instead, its roots cling to bark and absorb moisture from the air.
Understanding this is key to its care. You need to mimic those forest conditions as best you can.
Here’s a quick overview of what it needs:
- Size: A compact plant, usually under 6 inches tall.
- Flowers: Dozens of small, star-shaped blooms on a pendant spike.
- Fragrance: Strongest in the evening and at night; often compared to citrus or jasmine.
- Growth: Monopodial (grows from a single stem upwards).
Perfect Light and Placement
Aerangis citrata prefers bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight under a tree canopy.
Direct sun, especially hot afternoon sun, will scorch its leaves quickly. A east-facing window is often ideal. A south or west window can work if the light is filtered by a sheer curtain.
If the leaves turn a yellowish-green, it might be getting to much light. Dark, lush green leaves often signal too little light. Aim for a bright green color.
Watering and Humidity: Getting it Right
This is the most important part of care. Because it has no water-storing pseudobulbs, it likes consistent moisture but hates being soggy.
Watering: Water thoroughly when the moss or roots approach dryness. For mounted plants, this might mean misting or soaking daily in warm weather. For potted ones, maybe once or twice a week. Always use lukewarm water, like rainwater or distilled if possible.
Humidity: Aim for 60-80% humidity. This is higher than most homes. You can use a humidifier, or place the plant on a humidity tray (a tray with pebbles and water). Grouping plants together also helps create a microclimate.
Good air movement is crucial to prevent rot, especially in high humidity. A small, gentle fan nearby is a great idea.
Temperature and Seasonal Changes
This orchid enjoys intermediate to warm temperatures. It appreciates a slight drop at night, which mimics its natural habitat.
- Daytime: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- Nighttime: 60-65°F (15-18°C)
A cooler, drier rest period in the winter can help encourage better flowering in the spring and summer. During this time, you can reduce watering slightly and eliminate fertilizer.
Potting, Mounting, and Fertilizing
You have two excellent choices for how to grow your Aerangis citrata.
Option 1: Mounting
This is the most natural way. You attach the plant to a piece of cork bark, tree fern plaque, or even driftwood.
- Soak your mount and some sphagnum moss.
- Place a small pad of moss against the mount.
- Position the orchid’s roots over the moss.
- Secure it with fishing line or non-copper wire. Don’t tie it to tight.
Mounted plants need more frequent watering but have excellent air flow.
Option 2: Potting
Use a very small pot, just big enough to hold the roots. A plastic net pot or clay pot works well.
The best potting media is something very open and fast-draining. A mix of sphagnum moss and small bark chips is perfect. You can also use just large-chunk bark.
Fertilizing: Feed weakly, weekly. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) diluted to 1/4 strength. Apply it once a week during the active growing season (spring to fall). In winter, fertilize once a month or not at all.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with good care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to fix them.
- Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of too much light or overwatering. Check your conditions.
- Wrinkled Leaves: Usually means underwatering or lack of humidity. Soak the plant well and check your humidity levels.
- No Flowers: The most common cause is not enough light. Insufficient humidity or lack of a seasonal rest can also be factors.
- Root Rot: Caused by media that stays to wet or decomposes. Repot into fresh media and cut away any mushy, brown roots with sterile tools.
Keep an eye out for pests like scale or mealybugs. Treat them early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Propagation and Repotting
This orchid is propagated by removing keikis (baby plants) that sometimes form on the flower spike after blooming.
- Wait until the keiki has several roots that are at least an inch long.
- Carefully cut the spike about an inch above and below the keiki with a sterile blade.
- Pot or mount the keiki as you would a mature plant, keeping it in slightly higher humidity until it establishes.
Repotting is needed when the media breaks down (becomes soggy) or the plant outgrows its mount. For moss, this is typically every 1-2 years. The best time to repot is just as new roots begin to grow, usually after flowering.
Why You’ll Love This Orchid
The Aerangis citrata is more than just a plant; it’s an experience. Its evening fragrance can fill a room, creating a peacful, calming atmosphere.
Its small size makes it ideal for windowsills, terrariums, or under lights. It’s a conversation piece that demonstrates skillful, attentive care without being overly demanding. The reward of those delicate, fragrant blooms is truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often does Aerangis citrata bloom?
Typically once a year, in the spring or summer. A happy plant may sometimes bloom twice or have a very long flowering period.
Can I grow this orchid in a bathroom?
Yes, if the bathroom gets enough natural light. The high humidity from showers is usually beneficial for the plant.
Why are the buds falling off my citrata orchid?
Bud blast is usually caused by a sudden change in environment—a draft, drastic temperature shift, or change in watering routine. Try to keep its conditions stable.
What’s the difference between Aerangis citrata and Aerangis biloba?
They are related but different. A. biloba has a bifid (split) leaf tip and generally larger, differently shaped flowers. The care is very similar though.
Is the scent of Aerangis citrata strong?
It is noticeable and lovely, especially in the evening. It’s not overpowering but can pleasantly scent a small room. Not everyone picks up on the fragrance the same way.
With these tips, your Aerangis citrata should thrive for years. Remember to observe your plant closely; it will tell you what it needs. Adjust your care based on your specific home environment, and you’ll be rewarded with its unique beauty and fragrance season after season.