Coelogyne cristata in bloom!

[Kesorkol]

Hi everyone!


I just wanted to share with you all this beautiful surprise that I woke up to this morning, and I can say that I was very happy about it!

Also, sorry in advance if the images are not so clear and if they're also rotated to the left. I honestly don't know why it does that?!?









This is the first time this plant has bloomed for me and, to be honest, I can't really take full credit for the flowers as they all ready had a flower spike when I first got them!
Hopefully they will bloom again next time in my care!

Also, do you notice how the petals curve really far back? I don't know if this is a one-time thing or if it's a trait of this particular plant. I don't see this characteristic in other pictures! Either way, I think it's a cute little trait and I hope it stays!

I will try to post another picture when it's in full bloom.

[rbarata]

I wonder if one of these would grow with my Cymbs....maybe summer would be too hot and dry for them.

[Dollythehun]

I'm curious about the care. I saw one at a show and when I looked it up I saw it was #1 huge and #2 needed dormancy? Please enlighten me.

Lovely, by the way.

[Kesorkol]

Originally Posted by rbarata

I wonder if one of these would grow with my Cymbs....maybe summer would be too hot and dry for them.

I'm by no means a Coelogyne expert, but if you’re growing some of the cool-intermediate Cymbidiums then I think they’ll do just fine with that type of care.
I probably wouldn’t grow them outside if it gets really hot and dry in the summer.

---------- Post added at 11:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:30 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I'm curious about the care. I saw one at a show and when I looked it up I saw it was #1 huge and #2 needed dormancy? Please enlighten me.

Lovely, by the way.

Thanks! This Coelogyne cristata has 3 pseudobulbs and they do grow a bit far apart. I have an alba variety as well and it’s pseudobulbs grow even further apart!
I live in the city so growing space is very limited for me and I try to only grow small to medium sized plants. Overall, I don’t think it’s a very big plant.

I do water this plant a bit less during the winter, but mainly because it does get quite cold and I don’t really want to risk it getting any rot.
I also don’t completely restrict watering because I don’t want the pseudobulbs to shrivel too much!

I hope that was helpful!

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by Kesorkol

I'm by no means a Coelogyne expert, but if you’re growing some of the cool-intermediate Cymbidiums then I think they’ll do just fine with that type of care.
I probably wouldn’t grow them outside if it gets really hot and dry in the summer.

If frequent 40"C (104 F) and 15% HR is too much them I give up the idea.

[DeaC]

Seems many blooms on a small plant which is a plus. Challenging for me as I think it wanted cooler temps than I provided but I'll try again and well worth it. A harbinger of spring.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I have a C. Crista that is huge but has not yet bloomed for me. I suspect it is just too warm here.

For those of you in a similar climate, try C. Unchained Melody. C. cristata is a parent, but UM is much easier to bloom. Mine is blooming now, I hope to take a photo and post.

[Dollythehun]

OW do you have a source for UCM? I've been looking for that one. I think it could grow w my Zygos.

[Kesorkol]

Originally Posted by rbarata

If frequent 40"C (104 F) and 15% HR is too much them I give up the idea.

40°C does seem a bit too hot for this orchid if you’re growing it outdoors. You might be able to grow it indoors instead as the temperatures inside a house might be cooler.
Have a look at this culture sheet by Charles and Margaret Baker.

Cool-Growing Coelogyne Culture

---------- Post added at 11:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 PM ----------

Originally Posted by DeaC

Seems many blooms on a small plant which is a plus. Challenging for me as I think it wanted cooler temps than I provided but I'll try again and well worth it. A harbinger of spring.

Yeah, I was surprised as well considering it only has 3 pseudobulbs. It has 3 flowers and another bud developing!
Definitely well worth having!

---------- Post added at 11:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:35 PM ----------

Coelogyne Unchained Melody is definitely a beautiful hybrid to have! I’ve heard it is so much easier to bloom.
I’m also thinking of getting a Coelogyne flaccida, but I’m not really sure about the size of the plant itself.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

OW do you have a source for UCM? I've been looking for that one. I think it could grow w my Zygos.

Cal Orchid seems to have it. I have never purchased from them, but here is their listing:. Coelogyne Unchained Melody — Cal-Orchid Inc.