The species are mostly from shady, tropical humid forests in Zimbabwe, Madagascar and islands in the Western Indian Ocean.
Description[]
Aeranthes has a single short, erect, monopodial stem. The leathery, shining, opposite leaves are arranged in two rows of five to seven leaves, with a length of 15-25 cm. New leaves are formed at the top of the stem in a monopodial growth pattern.
The threadlike flower stalk grows downward to a length of almost 30cm. It carries one or two almost translucent, greenish yellow flowers. The sepals and the shorter petals taper off into five long, narrow shoots. Some give an agreeable, sweet scent in the evening or early morning.
Culture[]
Plants are best grown hanged in baskets and on mounted and usually require shade and warm temperatures. Plants should be grown in media that is well drained such as tree fern fibers, several pieces of coarse fir bark, or sphagnum moss. Water regularly year round.
Naming[]
The name "aeranthes" means 'aerial flower', because it seems to float in the air.
