
General information
The Coelogyne genus includes approximately one hundred species of orchids, native to central and southern Asia. C. cristata is a species native to Nepal and China, widespread at fairly high altitudes in cool climates. It produces fleshy, oval-shaped, fairly large pseudobulbs, each of which sprouts two long, leathery, bright green, ribbon-like leaves. During the winter, the stem that will bear the flowers develops at the base of the pseudobulbs. These flowers bloom in spring, clustered in an arched inflorescence 15–20 cm long. The flowers are large, very showy, pure white, characterized by arched petals and sepals, and a trilobed labellum with some golden yellow streaks. Coelogyne flowers are very showy, and a single plant can produce several flower stems, each bearing 3–6 flowers. The flowers of the other Coelogyne species are always large, some even scented, and the colours are quite pale, from white to beige, from yellow to light green.
Exposure
These orchids require a bright location, preferably away from direct sunlight, although it's possible to expose these plants to sunlight for a few hours a day during the cooler months of the year and in the early morning. For best flowering, it's best to grow them in a fairly warm climate from March to September. During the colder months, it's best to place them in an unheated room, or even a cold greenhouse, with minimum temperatures around 7-10°C.
The environmental humidity for this type of plant must be high, even eighty percent in the hottest periods.
Watering
From April to September, water abundantly, keeping the soil slightly moist. During this time, make sure to spray the leaves to increase humidity and lower the temperature during the hottest days. During the colder months, watering can be reduced, only if the pseudobulbs are losing firmness.
It is also a good idea to plan for correct fertilization, using a fertilizer with a good phosphorus component in spring and autumn to increase flowering.
Substrate
The roots of Coelogyne are quite thin and delicate, it is therefore advisable to use a fairly fine soil, made up of small pieces of shredded bark, perlite granules and pieces of vegetable fibre.
Multiplication
These orchids are propagated by dividing the clumps, although division often causes the plants to deteriorate permanently; therefore, it must be done with all due care, using clean and disinfected tools.
Coelogynes can also be propagated by seed, taking into account the fact that the new plants may not have the same characteristics as the mother plant.

