Aerangis verdickii was discovered by E. Verdick along the Lukafu stream in Congo and described after him at the beginning of the 20th century by De Wildeman as ‘Angraecum verdickii’. It is an epiphytic or occasionally lithophytic orchid from central southern Africa that grows on high tree branches in seasonally dry forests at 100-1800 m altitude. Plants have 2-6 thick, grey-green leaves with wavy, sometimes reddish margins, that can be 5-20 cm long and up to 5 cm wide and thick, silvery, long roots. Flowering occurs winter to spring, on stems up to 60 cm long that carry up to16 flowers. Flowers are white tinged with light green, about 3-4 cm wide, with a long spur that can be 12-20 cm long.  These orchids are easy to grow in terraria or pots, provided they dry between waterings and kept a bit on the drier side for winter. However, when Aerangis verdickii is exposed to prolonged dry conditions will go deciduous. It will recover when watered again growing new leaves, but it is a natural habit that can cause concern if not considered.  For additional plant information for this special orchid see the Araflora plant symbols.

Aerangis verdickii occurs naturally in seasonally dry and deciduous forests at altitudes up to 1800 m.  It is an orchid that likes warm conditions all year with a small drop of temperature at night. Around 21-25 C at day and 18-20 C at night are perfect for it. Grow in bright shade without any direct sunlight, though in winter more intense light can be tolerated, even one-two hours of direct sun.  This orchid prefers drier than usual conditions and grows better when watered when it is dry. Keep it a bit dry in winter, however not for prolonged periods as it can go deciduous.  Aerangis verdickii can grow easily mounted on a cork in a terrarium where it can be neglected, and where the long, thick roots will provide an extra focus point. Provisions should be made to be high enough so that the long flower stem has space to grow. Pots filled with coarse sized bark, can be also used. Fertilizing every 15 days with a high nitrogen water soluble fertilizer diluted in half the normal concentration during the growing season (mainly mid-spring and summer) is highly beneficial. The Araflora plantcare symbols below will give you an indication about the Aerangis verdickii orchid careproduct.