General information
The Angraecum genus contains approximately two hundred species of orchids, native to southern Africa and prevalent in Madagascar. They lack pseudobulbs and are epiphytic, and vary in size; some species are almost miniature, while others have vigorous plants and very large flowers. The flowers are pure white, sometimes greenish or tinged with yellow or pink.
Angraecum sesquipedale has very large, white, star-shaped flowers; a long spur grows from the base of the corolla, reaching 25-30 cm in length. This orchid was discovered by Charles Darwin in the mid-1800s. It has long, fleshy leaves that grow in pairs along a vigorous stem; Angraecum sesquipedale plants can reach 30-40 cm in height. The flowers are very fragrant, especially in the evening. The plants tend to develop long, silvery-green aerial roots.
Exposure
Angraecums prefer bright locations, but away from direct sunlight, at least during the hottest hours of the day and in summer. They can also be kept on windowsills, provided they are shaded with a light-colored curtain. They tolerate the cold and prefer nighttime temperatures above 15°C. In summer, it's best to leave them in a shaded, well-ventilated, and fairly cool location, avoiding prolonged exposure to temperatures much above 35°C.
Watering
Angraecums don't have a true dormant period, so they need to be watered regularly throughout the year, keeping the substrate slightly moist. However, make sure the substrate isn't too waterlogged, as this can quickly lead to dangerous root rot.
After flowering, watering should be slightly reduced for about a couple of months. During the growing season and flower production, apply a specific orchid fertilizer, halved, every 20-25 days.
Substrate
Like many other epiphytic orchids, Angraecums are also grown in small containers, filled with shredded bark, small pieces of polystyrene, perlite, and other loose materials, suitable for simulating the soil in which they grow in the forests of Madagascar.
These plants should be repotted when the roots are constrained within the pot, taking care to use a pot only slightly larger than the previous one. To avoid problems with this operation, it's a good idea to wet the roots, so they are less fragile.

