coelogyne marmorata or any warm coelogyne growing tips needed - Orchid Board

mjr092 · #1 08-28-2006, 05:11 PM

Amazingly little info on the 'net on this species; doesn't sound like too many people grow this one, but giving it a shot here anyway. I think it's a 'warm' variety. I'm guessing, b/c fr what I've read most point out the cool growers and marmorata is never identified as a cool grower so it must (likely) be warm If you are a grower and have a coelogyne and it's 'warm', well, what season does yours bloom? I've heard conflicting things about watering? Should I keep it moist or let it dry out in between. This one is native to the Philippines, I don't know what elevation and elevation is meaningless to me anyway for light requirements & temp b/c its in meters and I have no frame of reference. (I don't know what the h*ll we don't use the metric system when the whole world does and I have to *!&@ convert, but... I digress). I live in TX so I get as much light as I want, and can manipulate the lighting as needed, and this baby will be indoors on a windowsill. Aside: I heard this genus hates repotting and gets sulky about having its roots touched but really hate it's ugly green plastic pot, can't tell if the roots underneath are healthy but don't wanna chance it. So, any info-feedback-comments on this genus/species are welcome

Phantasm · #2 08-28-2006, 05:19 PM

I haven't tried to grow this one but found this information:

http://www.orchidspecies.com/coelmarmorata.htm

It appears that it is fairly tolerant of temperature variation........

mjr092 · #3 08-28-2006, 05:34 PM

Temperature thing is good news, because I can't accomodate too many growing variations among the plants. They have to be forgiving or they have to go. Thanks again for that link. And that flower is gorgeous!! I hope she likes me and flowers like that...

Gongora · #4 08-29-2006, 08:33 AM

Hi Mimi,
Most of the Ceologyne's tend to be a bit forgiving in regards to temp, we grow about 20 different species, unfortunately Coel marmorata is not one of these. We do however grow Coel chloroptera which has a lot of the same attributes as Coel marmorata ie. it grows in a lot of the same areas in the Philippines at around about the same elevation 1000 metres plus(1000m = 914yards roughly speaking) both grow as epiphytes (on trees) & lithophytes (on rocks) and both come from the same section of Coelogyne that being Lentignosae.
As for temp we grow these in an unheated G/H which can get down to 2C (36F) in winter, and up to 35c
(95F) in summer. In winter this would only get watered once a week, and in summer 4 times with misting on really hot days to cool the air.
We flower it in late winter early spring and I am quite sure it is the same for Coel. marmorata . The spike arises from the centre of the new growth and this is consistent with all the plants in this section.(Lentignosae).
We have 50% shade cloth over the top of the G/H and the Coel chloroptera is quite happy growing in a shady part of this house.
As for the marmoata I haven't been able to find one of these for myself yet, but its only a matter of time before that changes, someone is bound to have one some where round here (Oz). it is a very handsome flower so get that thing flowering and post us a

ASAP.
All the best Craig

mjr092 · #5 08-29-2006, 02:50 PM

Hi Craig, THANK YOU

for sharing that detail and growing information. I now have a little more confidence with how I should grow my very first species plant. Looks like I'd have to try hard to kill it given how it can accomodate such extreme temp variations. When it blooms I sure will post a picture. Right now it is in a 3.5" pot with 4 established PBs (2 very shrivelled looking, I guess they are the old, back bulbs) and the 2 new ones have these long papery tapered leaves about 20" span on both. All in all a very pleasant plant to look at even out of bloom. I am infatuated with Coelogynes and I would like another at some point. I can hardly wait to see those delicate transparent flowers when I get it to bloom. And, yes, I will make it bloom with these addt'l recommendations. It can go in the shady part of the grow room (with the new Aerangis that I'm expecting in the mail and will be mounting on a wooden slat). I feel a little embarassed that i have nearly 15 plants and I've just started a month ago. But it pleases me and the plants are happy. Synergy. And I have a big empty house so I got the space and the light. Woo hoo. Want more orchids.

mjr092 · #6 08-29-2006, 03:13 PM

I am in a position to obtain a Coelogyne ovalis in the next couple weeks from another grower far far away in the Great White North. I can't believe how quickly this has become an addiction. Its like a fever. With my collection I will now stick to unusual species and miniatures with easy culture requirements only. I think Coel. will fit those requirements.

When I find my camera somewhere in these *%@! boxes I'll post pre-bloom and blooming pictures of my coel. or I need to put it in the grow blog that I haven't started yet. This thread needs action, Craig or other growers, why don't you post your pictures if available, so we can ooh and ahh and be inspired.

Gongora · #7 08-29-2006, 08:44 PM

Ahhh another victim of Rapid Orchid Contagion Syndrome or Orchid Flurry Fever.(ROCS,OFF) A small word of advice take one step at a time, You can jump in to deep and end up disappointed if your to over zealous. Apart from orchids Buy Books? these give the Basic's and more.Two good books (for Coelogyne) are The Genus Coelogyne a Synopsis by Dudley Clayton & The Orchids of the Phillipines by Jim Cootes.
As for Coel ovalis he is a tuff little hombre.Put him in a pot and just let him scramble, he looks his best when grown into a specimen and he will take more light than Coel marmorata or chloroptera,and is a very rewarding orchid.
At home I have a few pic's

of Coel assamica & mooreana I will post these latter for your veiwing pleasure.Anyway Mimi keep getting your ROCS,OFF?

Regards Craig.

Oscarman · #8 08-30-2006, 12:20 AM

Looks like a great plant. Good luck with growing it. Please keep us posted on your adventure with it.

1000 meters is 3280 feet in elevation, as 1 meter = 3.28 feet.