Darwin's orchid
Angraecum sesquipedale
Also called Angraecum, Comet orchid and Star of Bethlehem orchid
Houseplant · OrchidsTHE SPUR IS THIRTY CENTIMETRES LONG and Darwin predicted, from that alone, a moth with a tongue to match. It was found forty years after he died. It flowers in midwinter, white and scented at night, and wants a warm bright spot all year.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Hard
- Water
- Every 6 daysSilver roots, then soak — read the roots — silver means thirsty, green means leave it alone.
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- High
- Hardiness
- Indoors, or out in high summer RHS H1B, to 10°C
- Size
- 0.7 m tall · 0.5 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Madagascar
Is it safe for pets and people?
No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-22. Where a source says nothing, we say nothing.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.