How to Grow Lion Orchid
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Lion Orchid
Angraecum leonis
flowerAngraecum leonis is a small, compact epiphytic orchid native to Madagascar, known for its delicate white flowers with a distinctive lip shape resembling a lion's mouth. This miniature species produces sweetly scented blooms on short inflorescences and thrives as a houseplant or in specialized orchid collections. It is prized by collectors for its unique appearance and relatively manageable growing requirements.
When should you plant Lion Orchid in your zone?
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Example Lion Orchid timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lion Orchid
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Lion Orchid blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; typically grown indoors as a tropical houseplant in cooler climates
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Get my Lion Orchid timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling to Juvenile
1-2 yearsTiny plantlets with 2-4 small leaves; very delicate and slow-growing
Maintain high humidity (70%+); provide bright, filtered light; use fine-grade orchid bark; water frequently but avoid waterlogging; be patient—growth is extremely slow
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsPlant develops 4-8 leaves in a compact rosette; new leaves emerge sequentially from center; aerial roots may develop
Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F day, 60-65°F night); ensure excellent drainage; fertilize bi-weekly with dilute orchid fertilizer (1/4 strength); provide bright, indirect light; increase humidity as plant matures
Pre-Flowering/Mature Plant
2-4 weeksPlant reaches 4-6 inches tall with established leaf structure; flower spike begins to emerge from leaf axils
Do not disturb flower spikes; maintain consistent warmth and humidity; reduce fertilizer nitrogen slightly to encourage blooming; ensure bright light (but not scorching); maintain good air circulation
Flowering
4-8 weeksDelicate white flowers (1-2 inches) with a prominent, broad lip; flowers appear on short inflorescences; typically bloom in winter or spring
Do not move plant during bloom; maintain stable temperatures and humidity; water carefully around base only; enjoy the sweet fragrance (especially in evening); flowers last 4-8 weeks per spike
Post-Flowering/Rest
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and drop; spike may dry out and be removed; plant enters semi-dormant period
Remove dead flower spikes by cutting at base; reduce watering slightly; maintain cool night temperatures (58-62°F) for 4-6 weeks to encourage reblooming; resume regular feeding after rest period
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with dilute isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab; isolate infected plant; repeat weekly until clear; improve air circulation
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Increase humidity to 60%+ (mites prefer dry conditions); mist foliage regularly; spray with neem oil if severe; improve air circulation
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Remove with soft brush or alcohol-soaked swab; treat with horticultural oil spray; inspect regularly for crawlers; quarantine if widespread
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Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering frequency; remove affected tissue; use orchid fungicide; ensure excellent air circulation; repot in fresh media if severe
Uses
Indoor Specimen Plant & Windowsill Display
OrnamentalAngraecum leonis is prized as a compact houseplant for bright windowsills, vitrines, orchid cases, or mounted on cork bark for display. Its delicate white flowers and modest size make it ideal for collectors and orchid enthusiasts with limited space. [source]
Fragrant Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe sweetly scented flowers are occasionally cut for small, delicate floral arrangements and special occasions, though their longevity is best when left on the plant. Evening-blooming scent adds enchanting fragrance to rooms. [source]
Pollinator Support & Orchid Breeding
WildlifeIn native Madagascar habitats, these orchids are pollinated by nocturnal moths attracted to the nighttime fragrance and specialized flower shape. Home growers contribute to species preservation through cultivation and participation in orchid society conservation efforts. [source]
Air Quality & Humidity Regulation
HouseholdLike most epiphytic orchids, this plant benefits from and contributes to humid microclimates in homes, particularly in terrariums or plant stands where transpiration supports ambient moisture. Growing collections of tropical plants can naturally increase indoor humidity. [source]
Traditional Ethnobotanical Uses
MedicinalWhile not commonly used medicinally in modern Western practice, Angraecum species have been part of traditional Malagasy ethnobotanical knowledge and cultural practices. Primarily valued today for ornamental beauty and scientific interest. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested—this is an ornamental flowering orchid. Enjoy blooms on the plant. Flowers typically last 4-8 weeks per inflorescence. Sweet fragrance is most pronounced in evening and early morning. Some growers propagate via division of mature plants (dividing rosettes with at least 2-3 shoots), though this is slow and reserved for experienced cultivators.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Angraecum leonis is endemic to Madagascar and was named 'leonis' (lion) for the distinctive lion-mouth shape of its lip (labellum), a remarkable example of floral mimicry to attract specific pollinators.
- 🌱 The sweetly fragrant white flowers bloom primarily at night and in early morning, releasing their strongest scent to attract nocturnal sphinx moths—an adaptation for nighttime pollination in the forest canopy.
- 🌱 This orchid is an epiphyte in nature, growing on tree branches high in Madagascar's tropical forests, which is why it requires excellent drainage and mimics those conditions in cultivation (bark-based media, high humidity, bright indirect light).
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