About
Coelia bella is a medium-sized, evergreen orchid that can grow to a height of 70 cm. This species forms a cluster of rounded, egg-shaped pseudobulbs, which serve as reservoirs for water and nutrients. Mature pseudobulbs reach about 5 cm in height and support three to five lanceolate leaves that are glossy and vibrant green. These leaves typically measure between 30 and 60 cm in length and 2 to 4 cm in width, remaining on the plant for several years. In winter, short flowering stems, reaching up to 15 cm long, emerge from the base and bear as many as six trumpet-shaped flowers. Each flower, measuring 5 to 7 cm across, emits a sweet fragrance reminiscent of marzipan. The blooms are predominantly white, accented with pink or purple tips, and feature a yellow lip.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, free-draining, bark-based orchid mix. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 13 °C minimum at night and up to maximum 24 °C during the day. Water with soft water (ideally rainwater) when the pot feels light when lifted. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant from sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. The orchid will naturally produce rhizomes with aerial roots growing outside the pot. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years. See indoor orchid cultivation for more tips.
- Pruning
- No pruning required other than removing spent flower stems
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Well-estastiblished plants can be propagated by division. Ensure each division has young enough, mature pseudobulbs to support new growth. See indoor orchid cultivation for further advice
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insect, aphids and mealybugs. Thrips can cause damage on flowers and developing flower buds
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases