New Member: semi-orchid-noob looking to experience.

[TheEndPhase]

I've only got two, and no successful bloomage yet, but my dendrobium seems to be entering the stage of leaf-drop before it blooms. I've read and know how much to water, how much light to provide, etc., but I'm hoping now to have a place to turn to when I have a vexing question. I find myself really getting into this hobby, and I'm kinda pumped to finally get to learn stuff on the basis of asking actual people questions instead of the interwebs.

I'll probably ask again in another thread, but the question that got me to break down and join a forum:

What is the difference between Aerangis splendida and Aerangis distincta? I can't find a discernible difference just poking around on the internet, and since I was looking into purchasing one of the cooler-growing members of the genus, I came across these two and was stumped. Are they actually different species, or is one name just outdated?

Thanks!

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Well, I can't really answer your question because I'm not well versed in species.... yet But I can welcome you to the board! I'm sure you'll get your question answered, there are a ton of very knowledable people around here.

[Becky15349]

Hey! Welcome to the board! I betcha Mauro would know the answer to your question, or any of the other well-versed orchidophiles on this board Stick around, there is lots to learn! Oh, and about your dend...if it has a cane-like structure that the leaves are growing on, its ok if it drops some leaves, they do that this time of year. Mine did that too, and we're essentially in the same climate area, so it should be the same reason. Just keep it in a medium light area (east or west window or south if its somewhat filtered) and don't overwater

[Dorothy]

Click on these links and you will see that Jay has them as two separate species -
Aerangis distincta - IOSPE PHOTOS
Aerangis splendida - IOSPE PHOTOS

One distinction Jay states is that distincta is fragrant and splendida is not.
They might also have different blooming seasons - from Jay's icons - distincta - winter, spring, summer and splendida - summer, fall

[TheEndPhase]

Thanks all for the warm welcome!