About
Coelogyne cristata is an epiphytic orchid that can reach a height of 30 cm. It features rounded pseudobulbs and elongated, lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 30 cm long. From winter through spring, it produces pendulous clusters of highly fragrant, pure white flowers that measure up to 8 cm in diameter, each adorned with lips that have yellow markings. As it matures, this orchid may develop into substantial clumps, potentially yielding several hundred fragrant blooms.
About the genus
Coelogyne is a genus of epiphytic orchids characterized by pseudobulbs that support two leathery, pleated leaves. These plants typically produce flowers in racemes, emerging primarily from the center of new growth during the spring and summer months.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- E Himalaya
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in epiphytic orchid compost in pots or baskets and in summer provide good ventilation, bright filtered light, water freely and apply orchid fertiliser at every third watering, mist daily to maintain high humidity; provide good light levels and keep dry in winter
- Pruning
- No pruning required, remove flowered spikes as necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by division of pseudobulbs when plant over-fills the pot and repotting is necessary
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free