Coelogynes (pronounced see-LOJ-in-ee ) are essentially divided into cool growers from northern India and Nepal and warm growers form the low lying rainforests of Indonesia and Borneo. The cool-growing species especially C. cristata, C. nitida (syn. ochracea) and C. mooreana are all very easy to grow and are almost hardy and produce some of the most magnificent flowers of the entire orchid family. As if that weren’t enough the flowers are often primrose scented. The warmer growing species include the highly exotic green and black flowered C. pandurata and C. tomentosa which produces pendulous flowering cascades of up to a metre in length! Surprisingly there has been little hybridisation of Coelogynes.

Did you know…

The orchid Coelogyne asperata from South East Asia was known as the “Holy Orchid” in Burma and at one time collecting it was punishable by beheading!

Temperature

Cool. Night temperatures between 14° and 16°C with a daytime temperature rise of about 10°C. depending upon the species.

Light

High.

Watering

Plentiful during the summer but given sparingly after the pseudobulbs have fully fattened in the autumn. They don’t have extensive roots and these are easily damaged and therefore repot only when necessary.

Feeding

Low. Coelogynes have limited root systems which can be scorched if excessive fertiliser is used and manifesting in premature leaf death.