Angraecum leonis is a charming and distinctive species of epiphytic orchid native to Madagascar and the Comoros Islands. It belongs to the genus Angraecum, which is well known for its star-shaped, waxy white flowers and delightful fragrances, often produced at night to attract moth pollinators.

Description

• Growth habit:
  Angraecum leonis is a compact, monopodial orchid with a short stem that bears thick, fleshy leaves arranged distichously (in two ranks). The plant has a sturdy, succulent appearance, often resembling a small fan of leathery green leaves.

• Leaves:
  The leaves are oblong to elliptic, leathery, and slightly recurved, with a glossy green surface. They are adapted to store water, allowing the orchid to thrive in its sometimes dry, airy habitat.

• Flowers:
  The plant produces one to three large, waxy white flowers on a short inflorescence. Each flower is star-shaped and very fragrant, especially at night. The spur, a defining feature of Angraecum species, is long and slender—containing nectar to attract nocturnal pollinators such as hawk moths.

• Fragrance:
  Sweet and pleasant, typically strongest during the evening hours.

• Blooming season:
  Usually blooms in late winter to early summer, depending on growing conditions.

Habitat and cultivation

In the wild, A. leonis grows on trees in humid to moderately dry forests at low to medium elevations. It prefers bright, filtered light and good air circulation.

In cultivation, it thrives mounted on bark or grown in open, well-draining media (such as sphagnum moss or a mix of bark and perlite). Moderate to warm temperatures (18–30°C / 65–85°F) and high humidity are ideal, with a slight drying between waterings.