Orchidaceae
Cat's-Tail Orchid (Aerides)
Aerides
A warm-growing orchid that likes strong filtered light, high humidity and plenty of air movement. It does best in a slatted basket or mounted, with roots hanging free. Water heavily while it grows, letting roots dry a little between waterings, and feed weakly every 2 weeks. It dislikes root disturbance.
Every 2 days
Bright indirect
15° - 30°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Cat's-tail orchid?
Cat's-tail orchid (Aerides) is a medium-care plant from the Orchidaceae family. Aerides is a genus of about 30 epiphytic orchids from tropical Asia, ranging from India and Nepal to southern China, Southeast Asia, the Philippines and New Guinea. They have no pseudobulbs: they grow from a single stem with thick, leathery leaves in two rows and thick aerial roots. The flowers come...
Cat's-tail orchid grows up to watering every 2 days, 15°C – 30°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Cat's-tail orchid is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Cat's-tail orchid?
TLDR: Cat's-tail orchid needs Bright indirect, watering every 2 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Cat's-tail orchid?
In warm weather, water daily if mounted or in a basket, and every 2-3 days in a pot of bark. Roots should look silvery green, never soggy. Water less in winter, but don't stop.
How Much Light Does Cat's-tail orchid Need?
Strong, filtered light with about 25-35% shade. Morning sun is good; harsh midday sun burns the leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Cat's-tail orchid?
Little or no medium: a wooden slatted basket, net pot or tree-fern plaque. If you use a mix, go with coarse bark, charcoal and a little sphagnum.
What Pot Should You Use for Cat's-tail orchid?
A hanging wooden slatted basket or a cork or tree-fern mount, so the roots stay in the air. A closed pot with fine mix holds too much water.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
What Is Cat's-tail orchid and Where Does It Come From?
Aerides is a genus of about 30 epiphytic orchids from tropical Asia, ranging from India and Nepal to southern China, Southeast Asia, the Philippines and New Guinea. They have no pseudobulbs: they grow from a single stem with thick, leathery leaves in two rows and thick aerial roots. The flowers come in long, full, hanging sprays that look like a fox's tail. They are waxy, fragrant and long-lasting, usually white tipped with pink or purple, and in some species pink, purple or yellow. The name comes from Greek and means "of the air", after their habit of living on trees.
How to Propagate Cat's-tail orchid?
Side shoots (keikis)
Aerides dislikes root disturbance. Only separate shoots that are well rooted and avoid breaking the aerial roots.
- 1 Wait until the side shoot has its own roots 5 cm long or more
- 2 Cut the stem with a clean blade just below the shoot's roots
- 3 Fix the new plant in a small basket or on a plaque without burying the roots
- 4 Keep it in high humidity and light shade until the roots take hold
Materials needed:
How Big Does Cat's-tail orchid Grow?
TLDR: Cat's-tail orchid can reach up to ?cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Cat's-tail orchid?
TLDR: Cat's-tail orchid is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Bacterial Soft Rot
Bacterial soft rot is a destructive plant disease caused primarily by bacteria from the genera Pectobacterium (formerly Erwinia) and Dickeya. These bacteria produce enzymes that break down plant cell walls, causing rapid and foul-smelling tissue decomposition. It mainly affects succulent tissues such as tubers, fruits, stems, and bulbs, being especially problematic in warm and humid conditions.
Fun Facts
The name Aerides comes from Greek and means "of the air".
The type species, Aerides odorata, was described in 1790 by the Portuguese priest and botanist João de Loureiro.
In the orchid trade the genus is shortened to Aer.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my Aerides bloom?
Can I grow it in a pot with mix?
How often should I water?
Can I cut the aerial roots?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
