Comet Orchid Plant Care
Angraecum sesquipedale Thouars
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Angraecum sesquipedale, also known as Darwin's orchid, Christmas orchid, Star of Bethlehem orchid, and king of the angraecums, is an epiphytic orchid in the genus Angraecum endemic to Madagascar. The orchid was first discovered by the French botanist Louis-Marie Aubert du Petit-Thouars in 1798, but was not described until 1822.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Comet Orchid?
Comet Orchid grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Comet Orchid Native To?
What Is the Comet Orchid?
Comet Orchid (Angraecum sesquipedale) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Angraecum genus. Comet Orchid is native to Madagascar. Comet Orchid is also known as Darwin's Orchid, Star Orchid.
Comet Orchid displays an epiphytic, monopodial orchid growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Comet Orchid produces fragrant white flowers with long spurs.
What Light Does the Comet Orchid Need?
Comet Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Comet Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Comet Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Comet Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Comet Orchid?
Repot every 2-3 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Comet Orchid?
Comet Orchid can be propagated through division, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to angraecum eburneum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Comet Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Comet Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Comet Orchid?
Comet Orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Comet Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Angraecum genus — compare its care with other Angraecum species on PlantoScan.
Angraecum is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Comet Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Angraecum Species
Other Angraecum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Angraecum sesquipedale Thouars, family Orchidaceae (first published in Nouv. Bull. Sci. Soc. Philom. Paris 1: Tabl. Angorkis (1809)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Comet Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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