Angcm Lemförde White Beauty

Written By Jill Heske

Angraecum Lemförde White Beauty

(Angcm sesquipedale x Angcm magdalenae)

The Angraecum shown above is new to my collection and has not bloomed yet. The image on the home page is credited to Hong Kong Botanical Garden.

I love fragrant orchids and have recently become fascinated with the night-fragrant ones. How cool to have something to enjoy after sunset when all the others have closed up shop. I purchased this one in November, 2024 at Peach State Orchids in Milton, GA. Check out those roots! One of them is nearly 2 feet long. I’m not convinced they will remain as plump in a home environment.

It currently grows in the southeast corner of my sunroom where it gets morning sun.

It had a spike when I bought it and I’m hoping my cooler and drier environment won’t prevent it from blooming. I can’t wait to experience its enormous white flower and jasmine fragrance!

History and Features

Angraecum Lemförde White Beauty is a hybrid orchid, created by crossing Angraecum eburneum with Angraecum sesquipedale. It was registered in 1983 by Lemförder Orchideenzucht in Germany, a well-known orchid nursery.

The flowers are large, typically 4-5 inches (10-12.5 cm) across, and feature pristine white, waxy, star-shaped blooms. Like other Angraecums, it has a distinctive long nectar spur, though not as extreme as its parent A. sesquipedale (Darwin's Star Orchid). The flowers are substantial and long-lasting, typically blooming in winter to early spring.

The fragrance is most pronounced at night, characteristic of Angraecum orchids, with a sweet, spicy scent that has been described as similar to jasmine or gardenia. This nocturnal fragrance reflects its evolutionary history, as these orchids are typically pollinated by night-flying moths.

The plant inherits vigorous growing characteristics from both parents, producing strong, upright growth with thick, strap-like leaves arranged in a fan pattern. It's considered one of the more successful Angraecum hybrids, combining the best traits of both parents while being somewhat easier to grow than either.

The "Lemförde" in its name comes from the German town where it was created, while "White Beauty" aptly describes its stunning pure white flowers.

Culture

Temperature

  • Warm to intermediate conditions

  • Day: 75-85°F (24-29°C)

  • Night: 60-65°F (16-18°C)

  • Minimum winter temperature 55°F (13°C)

  • Can tolerate occasional higher temperatures with good air movement

Light

  • Bright indirect light

  • Can handle more light than many Angraecums

  • Protect from direct midday sun

  • Leaf color should be medium green

  • Yellow leaves indicate too much light

  • East or shaded south window ideal

Water

  • Keep consistently moist during growing season

  • Never allow to dry completely

  • Reduce watering slightly in winter

  • Prefers water low in dissolved solids

  • Morning watering recommended

  • Good air movement essential

Potting and Media

  • Coarse, well-draining mix such as medium bark (1/2 to 3/4 inch)

    • Charcoal

    • Perlite

    • Can add some sphagnum moss for moisture

  • Deep pots accommodate long roots

  • Minimal root disturbance during repotting

Additional Notes

  • Regular fertilizing during growing season

  • Reduce feeding in winter

  • Can bloom multiple times per year

  • Stake flower spikes for best display

Jill Heske
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