About
Coelogyne rumphii is an epiphytic orchid that can reach heights of up to 60 cm. It forms clusters of green, oval-shaped pseudobulbs, which play a crucial role in storing water and nutrients. Each pseudobulb supports a pair of glossy green leaves, measuring between 25-40 cm in length and 4-6 cm in width. This species typically blooms in the summer or autumn, producing arching flower stems that range from 25 to 50 cm long, bearing two to six flowers that open sequentially. The individual flowers are roughly 5 cm across, featuring yellow-green petals and sepals, along with a white lip adorned with dark-brown markings and an orange column.
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 pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming, Pendulous weeping, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Native to
- Indonesia (Maluku Islands)
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 16 °C minimum at night and up to 28 °C during the day. Water regularly, 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-established plants can be propagated by division. Ensure each division has young enough, mature pseudobulbs to support new growth.
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insect 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