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Leon's Angraecum (Angraecum leonis)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Leon's Angraecum

Intermediate

Angraecum leonis

An epiphytic orchid from Madagascar and the Comoros, recognised by its flattened, fleshy leaves stacked into a fan. Its waxy white flowers carry a long spur and give off a jasmine-like scent at night.

Growing Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
15〜30℃
Lifespan
Perennial that can be kept for many years (little data on lifespan)
Size
Leaves 5-25 cm long; flowers about 6 cm across with a 7-9 cm spur
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering
Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season

About

Angraecum leonis is an epiphytic orchid in the genus Angraecum; the trade label "Angcm. leonis" refers to the same species. It grows in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands on trees and rocks in forests with a marked dry season, at about 200-1,500 m. The stem is very short and carries a few thick, rigid, sickle-shaped leaves that are flattened from side to side and overlap like a fan, a good way to tell it from other Angraecum species. The waxy flowers are about 6 cm across, greenish when they open and turning white, with a spur 7-9 cm long; a short stem carries one to several blooms. The scent strengthens at night, a sign of pollination by hawkmoths. Plants from the Comoros are known to grow noticeably larger than Malagasy plants. In cultivation, give bright light without direct sun, water generously while growing and keep it somewhat drier in winter. It can be potted or grown on cork or in a wooden basket. In Japan, specialist orchid nurseries sell flowering-size plants out of bloom, and it is one of the easier Angraecum species to obtain.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Leon's Angraecum

The Leon's Angraecum grows to Leaves 5-25 cm long; flowers about 6 cm across with a 7-9 cm spur.

Basic Info

Origin

Madagascar and the Comoro Islands (forests at 200-1,500 m)

Lifespan

Perennial that can be kept for many years (little data on lifespan)

Size

Leaves 5-25 cm long; flowers about 6 cm across with a 7-9 cm spur

Temperature

15〜30℃

Humidity

50〜70%

Watering & Fertilizer

Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season

Growing Tips

Light & Placement

Grow in bright shade out of direct sun; too little light reduces flowering.

Watering

In the spring-summer growing season water thoroughly as the medium dries; in winter water less and keep it on the dry side.

Temperature & Overwintering

It suits intermediate temperatures; wild plants range from hot lowlands to cooler hills. Keep it indoors somewhere warm in winter.

Soil & Repotting

Pot in bark, or grow it mounted on cork or in a wooden basket. Repot in spring as growth starts.

Fertilizer

Feed dilute liquid fertilizer regularly in the growing season and stop in winter.

OrchidAngraecumSpeciesNight-fragrantMadagascar

Leon's Angraecum FAQ

QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Leon's Angraecum?
A

Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.

QHow large does Leon's Angraecum get?
A

The mature size of Leon's Angraecum is Leaves 5-25 cm long; flowers about 6 cm across with a 7-9 cm spur. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.

QHow should I water and fertilize Leon's Angraecum?
A

Leon's Angraecum: watering & fertilizer — Dilute liquid fertilizer in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.

QWhat is the typical price for Leon's Angraecum?
A

The price of Leon's Angraecum varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.

Last updated: September 23, 2026

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team

The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Angraecum leonis (Rchb.f.) André

Synonyms: Aeranthes leonii Rchb.f., Aeranthes leonis Rchb.f., Angraecum humblotii Rchb.f. ex Rolfe, Angraecum humboltii Rchb.f., Angraecum leonis (Rchb.f.) J.H.Veitch, Humblotiangraecum leonis (André) Szlach., Mytnik & Grochocka

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix II

The whole orchid family is listed in CITES Appendix II (checked on Species+). International trade requires permits such as export permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or transfer plants within Japan.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment, Japan: list of Nationally Rare Species

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.

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