Angraecum Sesquipedale

If you’re looking for an orchid that combines stunning beauty with an incredible story, look no further. The Angraecum sesquipedale is a true gem for any plant enthusiast, famous for its exotic shape and powerful fragrance.

Often called the Darwin’s Orchid or Comet Orchid, this plant has captivated gardeners and scientists alike. Its care is unique, but deeply rewarding. This guide will walk you through everything you need to grow one successfully.

This remarkable orchid species is native to Madagascar. It’s most famous for its long, nectar-filled spur, which can grow over a foot in length. Charles Darwin himself predicted a moth with an equally long tongue must exist to pollinate it—a prediction proven correct long after his death.

Understanding it’s origins is key to keeping it healthy. In the wild, it grows in warm, coastal forests. It experiences high humidity, good air movement, and dappled light. Replicating these conditions at home is your main goal.

What Makes This Orchid So Special?

The Angraecum sesquipedale offers a few standout features that make it worth the effort.

Striking Flowers: The blooms are waxy, star-shaped, and pure white. They can reach up to 6-8 inches across.
Night-Time Fragrance: The scent is strong and sweet, designed to attract its moth pollinator. It’s most potent after dusk.
Fascinating History: Its co-evolution with the Morgan’s Sphinx Moth is a classic tale in natural science.
Long-Lasting Blooms: Each flower can last for weeks, and a well-grown plant can produce many over a season.

Your Complete Care Guide

Caring for this orchid is different from common Phalaenopsis. Paying attention to its specific needs will lead to success.

Light Requirements

Bright, indirect light is essential. Think of the dappled light under a forest canopy.

An east-facing window is often ideal.
A south or west window can work with sheer curtains to diffuse the light.
Signs of too much light: leaves turning yellowish or showing sunburn spots.
Signs of too little light: dark green, floppy leaves and no flowering.

Temperature and Humidity

This is a warm-growing orchid that hates the cold. It also needs moist air.

Daytime Temperatures: Aim for 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Nighttime Temperatures: A slight drop to 65-70°F (18-21°C) is beneficial but not below 60°F (15°C).
Humidity: Target 60-80% humidity. Use a humidifier, a pebble tray, or group it with other plants.
Good air movement is crucial to prevent fungal issues in high humidity.

Watering and Feeding

Water quality and frequency are critical. The roots must never sit in soggy medium.

Water thoroughly with lukewarm water, ideally rainwater or distilled.
Allow the potting mix to approach dryness before watering again. This might be weekly or bi-weekly.
Reduce watering slightly in the cooler, darker winter months.
Fertilize with a balanced orchid fertilizer at 1/4 strength every other watering during the growing season.
Flush the pot with plain water monthly to prevent salt buildup.

The Right Potting Mix and Repotting

Angraecum sesquipedale is usually grown in a very coarse, fast-draining mix. It’s often mounted on cork or tree fern plaques to mimic how it grows in nature.

For Pots: Use a mix of large-grade bark, charcoal, and perlite. Sphagnum moss can be added sparingly for moisture retention.
For Mounts: This is an excellent option for providing air flow to the roots. You will need to water more frequently, sometimes daily.
Repot only when the media breaks down (every 2-3 years) or if the plant outgrows its space. The best time is just as new roots begin to appear.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Even experienced growers can face issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems.

Why Won’t My Orchid Bloom?

Lack of flowers is the most common frustration. It’s usually due to insufficient light or incorrect temperatures.

Ensure it’s getting enough bright, indirect light.
Check that there is a slight nighttime temperature drop.
Make sure you are feeding it appropriately during active growth periods.
Be patient; a plant may need to reach a certain size and maturity before it decides to bloom.

Leaf and Root Problems

Yellowing leaves or mushy roots signal care issues.

Yellow Leaves: Could be too much sun, overwatering, or a natural shedding of old leaves.
Brown Leaf Tips: Often caused by low humidity or a buildup of fertilizer salts.
Mushy Roots: A sure sign of overwatering or a broken-down, soggy potting mix. Repot immediately into fresh media, cutting away any rotten roots.

Propagating Your Orchid

Propagation is typically done by division, but this plant grows as a single stem, so you must wait for it to produce a keiki (a baby plant).

Once a keiki develops its own roots that are 2-3 inches long, you can carefully remove it.
Pot it seperately in a small container with a fine-grade orchid mix.
Keep it in a humid environment until it establishes itself. This process requires patience, as keikis are not always common.

FAQ About Angraecum Sesquipedale

How often does Darwin’s orchid bloom?
Mature plants typically bloom once a year, in late fall or winter. The flowering period can last for several weeks.

Is the Comet Orchid difficult to grow?
It has specific needs, but it’s not overly difficult if you can provide consistent warmth, high humidity, and bright light. It’s considered intermediate level.

Can I grow this orchid indoors?
Yes, absolutely. A bright bathroom with a window can be perfect due to the steam. Otherwise, any room where you can control light and humidity will work.

What pollinates Angraecum sesquipedale?
In its native habitat, it’s pollinated by the Morgan’s Sphinx Moth (Xanthopan morganii praedicta). The moth’s incredibly long tongue reaches the nectar at the bottom of the spur.

Why are the buds falling off?
Bud blast is usually caused by a sudden change in environment—a draft, drastic temperature shift, or change in watering routine. Try to keep its conditions stable when buds appear.

Growing the Angraecum sesquipedale is a fulfilling project for any orchid lover. Its spectacular night-scented flowers and rich history make it a captivating centerpiece. By focusing on its core needs—warmth, humidity, bright light, and careful watering—you can enjoy this exotic marvel for many years. The sight of its first blooming spike will make all your effort worthwhile.