Angraecum eburneum

RHS Plant Profile
comet orchid

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comet orchid Valeria Valkova
Conservatory Greenhouse

A large to giant growing epiphytic orchid, rooting along the bark of large branches of trees in tropical east African forests. Forming upright, but branching stems when mature, furnished with two rows of stiff, fleshy, shiny, strap-shaped evergreen leaves forming a fan-like appearance, . A flower stem up to 120cm long, bearing 10 to 15 long-lasting waxy, white and green flowers, to 7.5cm across, each with a green spur-like nectary and a night-time gardenia scent, is produced in early winter

Position

Partial shade

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1A

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E Tropical Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in an open, well-drained but moisture-retentive mix of medium to coarse orchid bark, sphagnum moss and perlite. Shallow, wide pots or baskets are best used to accommodate its spreading habit. Bright filtered light is best as direct sunlight through glass can scorch its leaves. Prefers a minimum night temperature of 15°C and a maximum of 30°C in the daytime. Night time temperatures should be 10°C lower than daytime temperatures for good growth and is beneficial to induce flowering. High humidity is required along with gentle air movement. Allow plants to freely drain when watering and avoid plants sitting in water as this can cause roots to rot. Plants may be intolerant of hard municipal tap water, so irrigate with rainwater at room temperature. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season, March to September. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months See indoor orchid cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants that have produced multiple stems may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Use a sterilized blade and ensure divisions have their own roots

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required apart from the removal of faded flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects infestations

Diseases

Generally disease free