Angraecum sesquipedale Thouars. (1822)

                       

Geographical origin:

 

It grows in the hot lowlands on the East coast of Madagascar and Sainte Marie Island, from Fort Dauphin in the South to Antalaha, usually at altitude of 100m or less.
It grows epiphytically on trunks of trees, rarely on rocks, in slight shade or diffused light at the edge of woods where there is plenty of air movements.

 

Culture :

 

It will grow either until warm or intermediate conditions, although it seems to do slightly better in warm conditions.
Once the plant has reached flowering size, disturb its roots as little as possible.
The leaves can easily burn, so provide it of full sun.
Fertilize and water heavily during the summer months, but be sure that drainage is good...the more leaves have developed, the more flowers will be produced.
This species requires good air movement and high humidity.
You can use a mix of 1/3 barks of pine, 1/3 de balls of clay and 1/3 chopped sphagnum..

 

 
Angraecum sesquipedale var.angustifolium is distinguished from Angraecum sesquipedale by its upright habit, smaller and much narrower leaves (22cm long and no more than 1,5cm wide), and lighter green color.
On the second picture you can see A.sesquipedale var. angustifolium on the left and A.sesquipedale on the right.

 

 

Petite anecdote :
 

Another relevant factor in the popularity that this plant has enjoyed over the years is the attention to it by Charles Darwin's hypothesis as to the pollination of long-spured orchids.
Darwin postulated that there must be a nocturnal hawkmoth in Madagascar with a proboscis of sufficient length to reach the nectar in this really long spur.
A number of years later, this moth was discovered and named Xanthopan morgani praedicta.

Links:

TROPICOS
KEW
The Plant List
MNHN
IOSPE