Care help and guidance for this aerangis cryptodon

[NeoOrchid]

Hello-

I received this aerangis as a gift (it was purchased online) a couple years ago. It was healthy when I received it but before I knew it it was loaded with mealy bugs! No matter what I did they came back!

I was getting ready to throw it away one day until I saw a tiny green growth.

What finally worked was using toothpicks, magnfying glass bright lights and undiluted 70% isopropyl alcohol directly to the creatures and the areas they congregate.

It took almost two full years of constant surveilance and treatment to save this little plant but- here it is! (That's one of the things I love about orchids- they're like a Timex watch they- "take a lickin' and keep on tickin!")

As you all can see, she sits in a pot of moss rather (roots are healthy) oddly but that's the best I can do for the present; she has several healthy aerial roots and appears to be adding a new leaf at the crown. Of course I have not had any form of spike from this plant as of yet, nor have I expected it.

I know this plant is ready to really take off and grow like crazy and spike to the moon and back if she is potted, watered and fed properly. I'd love any help, suggestions, guidance, or even kicks in the pants on how to finally give this little beauty the happiness it needs to be healthy!

thanx

Neo

[rcb]

Neo - I've held off looking this up for you, as I don't grow this one myself, and I hesitate to give info.

But, since its been a couple days - here is what my Angracoid book states about it.

"Epiphyte in warm rain forest, some specimens recorded as lithophytic; 200 - 1800m; flowering April to August." - Madagascar (eastern highlands)

As for the flowering months, remember Madagascar is below the equator.

I'm not sure if I should add this part, as again I dont grow this particular one.

But I've found that these types that put out roots along the stem, tend to do better mounted than in a pot for me, basically giving those roots along the stem something to grab onto and get moisture from. I've also found that Aerangis tend to like to have their roots be completely soaked, but with airflow. And allow to dry out, then again a soak. Since yours is recoverying, I wouldn't do any major change. I would probably stick a mount into the pot, alongside the plant, allowing the new roots to grab onto it, and set itself before taking it out of the pot.

I want to also add, that some people can grow Aerangis in pots, I just can't.