Angraecum sesquipedale image • Photo: Author Diogo Correia• Public domain
Angraecum sesquipedale is a monopodial epiphytic orchid growing up to 1m (3.3ft) tall with dark green, leathery leaves measuring 20-40cm long. It features thick gray roots that strongly attach to tree bark and can extend several meters along trunks. The plant is renowned for its extremely long nectar spurs (27-43cm) and waxy, star-shaped flowers that transition from green to white with green tones before aging to yellow and brown. Its unique pollination relationship with a long-proboscis moth predicted by Charles Darwin makes it a celebrated example of coevolution.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Angraecum sesquipedale
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light similar to its natural habitat at forest edges
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Regular watering maintaining consistent moisture (matches native 150in/year rainfall), allowing roots to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity Needs
high humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
18-30°C (64-86°F)
Native Climate
Native to Eastern lowland rainforests of Madagascar below 150m altitude
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Epiphytic mix of coarse bark and sphagnum moss with excellent drainage
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Angraecum sesquipedale plants
Division or keiki propagation
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Eastern lowland rainforests of Madagascar below 150m altitude
moderate
Up to 1m (3.3ft) in height
perennial
Pet safety unknown
Indoor Blooming
This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.
Bloom Season
Summer (June to September) in the wild; winter (December to January) when cultivated
Flower Description
Initially green, maturing to white with green undertones. Features a 27-43cm nectar spur behind 3 star-shaped petals/sepals. Flowers measure 15-20cm across with waxy texture, aging through yellow to orange-brown.
Fun Fact
Charles Darwin correctly predicted in 1862 that a moth with a 30cm proboscis must exist to pollinate this orchid, which was discovered 41 years later - Xanthopan morganii praedicta.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Angraecum sesquipedale
Soft, mushy roots; yellowing leaves; stunted growth
Lack of blooms despite healthy foliage
Visible insects, sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth
Varieties
Different varieties of Angraecum sesquipedale
Smaller variety with narrower leaves, adapted to drier southern coastal habitats
Primary variety found in eastern rainforests
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Angraecum sesquipedale
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