The Angraecum leonis, often called Leon’s Angraecum or the Comet Orchid, is a captivating orchid species native to Madagascar and the Comoros Islands. It produces distinct star-shaped white flowers, 3-4 cm wide and 4-5 cm high. These attractive blooms are long-lasting and release a noticeable fragrance during the night. This orchid is an epiphyte, naturally growing on trees, and can reach a height of 15-20 cm with fleshy, sickle-shaped leaves.
Essential Angraecum Leonis Care
Light
Angraecum leonis requires bright, indirect light, 25,000 to 40,000 lux, similar to filtered sunlight. It tolerates up to 50% direct sun if acclimated, but strong sun can scorch leaves. Position the plant in an east-facing window or provide ample shade in south or west-facing windows.
Water and Humidity
Watering frequency for Angraecum leonis depends on the potting medium and environmental conditions. Water Angraecum leonis thoroughly during active growth (summer to early autumn), allowing the potting medium to almost dry between waterings. If leaves appear shriveled or wrinkled, it indicates a need for more frequent watering. During the drier winter period, watering should be significantly reduced, to occasional morning misting, to prevent root rot.
High humidity is important for Angraecum leonis, especially during warmer months. It prefers humidity levels between 75-85% from summer to autumn, decreasing to around 65% in winter and spring. Methods to increase humidity include placing the plant in a terrarium or well-lit bathroom, using a humidity tray, or regular misting. Good air circulation should accompany high humidity to prevent fungal issues.
Temperature
Angraecum leonis prefers warm to intermediate temperatures. In summer, aim for daytime temperatures of 31-32°C (88-90°F) and nighttime temperatures 24°C (75°F), maintaining a 7-8°C daily difference. During winter, daytime temperatures should be 29°C (84-85°F) and nighttime 21-22°C (69-71°F), with a similar differential. The plant tolerates short periods 10 degrees outside these ranges.
Potting Medium and Container
Angraecum leonis can be grown in pots or mounted on cork sheets or tree ferns. For potting, use a loose, permeable, and well-draining substrate. Suitable media include pine bark pieces, cork clusters, coconut fibers, or a mix of bark and sphagnum moss. Use pots just large enough to accommodate the roots.
Fertilization
During active growth, fertilize Angraecum leonis weekly with 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended dose of a balanced orchid fertilizer. In autumn, use a fertilizer with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorus to promote flowering and strengthen new growth before winter. To prevent mineral buildup, flush the substrate with plain water every few weeks.
Repotting Angraecum Leonis
Repot Angraecum leonis when new root growth starts or immediately after flowering. Repotting is needed if the potting media breaks down or the plant becomes overcrowded. This occurs every one to three years, depending on media decomposition.
When repotting, trim any soft or rotted roots. Spread healthy roots over a small amount of fresh medium at the bottom of the new pot. Fill the pot with porous medium, ensuring it settles among the roots, with the root-stem junction at the top. A clear plastic pot helps monitor root health and moisture.
Encouraging Blooms
Angraecum leonis typically produces fragrant white flowers in winter. To encourage blooming, providing adequate bright, indirect light is important. A temperature differential between day and night, such as 7-8°C, also contributes to successful blooming. Proper hydration during the growing season and a drier rest period in winter, mimicking its natural habitat, plays a role in its flowering cycle. Using a fertilizer with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorus in autumn can help prepare the plant for blooming.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Angraecum leonis may exhibit various symptoms if its care requirements are not met. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. If the potting medium remains too wet, roots can rot, leading to yellowing and shriveling leaves, even if the plant is technically being watered. Ensuring the medium dries out between waterings helps prevent root rot.
A lack of blooms often results from insufficient light or inadequate temperature fluctuations. While the plant tolerates a range of light, consistent bright, indirect light supports flowering. A distinct difference between day and night temperatures also helps trigger flower production.
Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can affect Angraecum leonis. Maintaining good air circulation helps deter some pests and fungal issues. Regularly inspecting the plant allows for early detection and treatment using general orchid-safe pest control methods.