Angraecum sesquipedale

Angraecum sesquipedale will grow in conditions similar to Cattleya. It is also known as the "Star of Bethlehem" orchid because of the large star shaped, white flowers that emerge every year in December. The genus Angraecum is one of the largest groups of African orchids -it includes up to 200 epiphytic ,lithophytic and even terrestrial species. The most typical ,best-known and the most oftern cultivated species is A.sesquipedale , even though it is not very suitable for amateur collections where space is limited because it is rather robust.The species has a thick ,lignifing stem that is densely covered with leaves,and grows to a size of over 40 in / 1 m . The leaves are tough , in the shape of a narrow belt ,and up to 12 in /30 cm long . The spikes are arched over and bear 2-4 star- shaped flowers. Their size is almost surprisingly large for an African orchid -the flowers are often over 5 in /12 cm in diameter ! All the tepals including the lip are snow-white ,widening at the base and narrowing at the top into a pointed tip . Another notable feature is unqustionably their giant greenish spur ,which can grow up to a truely recordbreaking length of 12 in /30 cm!

Angraecum sesquipedale is a fairly easy orchid to grow, even in your windowsill. This orchid likes a little shade and no direct sun. Maintain day temperatures of 70-80F (21-27c) and night temperatures of 60-68F (16-20c). Keep the medium evenly moist and the humidity around 60%. Water less in the winter after flowering for a few months. Plant in baskets or pots with bark or other media that will provide good drainage. A sesquipedale should be cultivated in the same way as the related species ; its size makes it suitable only for growers who dispose of spacious cultivating equipment .It blooms in the winter and its home is in what is left of wild nature on the Island of Madagascar.