Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Angraecum eburneum
Plant Common Name
Angraecum Orchid, Comet Orchid
General Description
With fantastic drooping stems lined with apple green and white flowers, Angraecum eburneum is a large clump-forming orchid that bedazzles from mid-autumn through to winter. A tropical orchid native to the highly moist forests of eastern Madagascar and eastern coastal Africa, its long flower parts are pollinated by hawk moths at night. The starry flowers have long "tails" which is why its common name is the comet orchid.
This epiphyte is rarely found growing on moist rocks, making some lithophytic. It has slender pseudobulbs that elongate. These become topped with ten to fifteen light green to slightly yellow green leaves that are strap-like and leathery. Root and pseudobulb growth is vigorous through spring and summer. In early autumn, very long arching stems arise from the maturing leaf fans. Up to fifty small flowers line the stem, each being apple green with an ivory lip that is inverted so it's on the top-side of the bloom. The petals are waxy, long-lasting and dangle downward. Each as a long nectar spur that releases strong fragrance at night, attracting moth pollinators. Although growing year round in its sultry homeland, it undergoes a brief dormancy in very late winter after flowering.
Grow this comet orchid in very bright light, ideally protected from intense midday sun rays. It does not grow in soil but should be firmly mounted to a tree or palm trunk. This large orchid also adapts nicely to being grown in a sturdy wooden basket in coarse bark nuggets or mounted onto a hanging wood slab or tree fern plaque. High humidity and good air circulation are needed year round. Apply a dilute fertilizer solution only when the orchid is actively growing.
Use this splendid orchid as a large specimen in a tropical garden. Indoors it is best given very bright light. If light levels are too low, usually indicated by leaves being dark green, flowering may never occur. Increase the home humidity by placing the plant atop a pebble-tray filled with water. It is excellent for a warm greenhouse setting. The flower stems may be cut and used as a long-lasting bouquet.
Two naturally occurring varieties are Superbum, which has slightly larger, more robust flowers, and longicalcar with its amazingly long nectary spurs that dangle down like taproots.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
12 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H2
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Plant Type
Epiphyte
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Width
20"-26" / 50.8cm - 66.0cm
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Bloom Time
Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Africa, Southern Africa, Madagascar
Growing Conditions
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Green
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Light Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Green, Yellow Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
