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Comet Orchids

Angraecum

Also called Shell Orchids

Comet Orchids
Photo: Diogo Correia, Public domain

Angraecum is a genus of about 223 species of mostly epiphytic orchids from tropical Africa, Madagascar and Sri Lanka, known for long-lasting white flowers with very long nectar spurs. Grow them bright but out of direct sun, with regular watering and a sheltered, humid spot.

Family
Orchidaceae (Orchid family)
Grows as
Orchid
Light
Full sun, Bright indirect
Water
Water weekly or more in summer, in the morning, letting the mix dry slightly between waterings to avoid rot.
Soil
Free-draining orchid mix such as bark or sphagnum, since they grow as epiphytes.
Temperature
18–30 °C; protect below 10 °C
How easy
Moderate

About

Angraecum, also known as comet orchid, is a genus of the family Orchidaceae native to tropical and South Africa, as well as Sri Lanka. It contains 223 species.

How to grow it

In horticulture the generic name is abbreviated as Angcm.

Like all other orchids it is best to water in the mornings to avoid fungal rot due to overnight dampness. Feeding as per other orchids and similar light conditions: in humid and hot regions (sub tropical) feed fortnightly during growing season (Summer) with a certified orchid fertiliser following directions on packet, weaker solutions are also okay if you're worried. In summer water weekly or more depending on situation. Angraecums flower best when in a lighter position. Keep out of direct sunlight as this can damage (and eventually kill) the plant. Most Angraecums will have their leaves for a number of years so any sun burn spots are ugly for a significant period and also may expose your plant to disease. In indirect sunlight the Angraecums will reward you with blooms and attractive growth.

Where it grows

Tropical Africa and Madagascar contain the majority of the genus with one outlier found on Sri Lanka, and three species once thought to belong to the genus in Japan and the Philippines. But these orchids can also be found on the Comoros, the Seychelles, and the Mascarenes. They occur between sea level and 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) in humid regions.

Other Angraecum plants

Darwin’s orchid

Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Angraecum by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.

The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.

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