Coelogyne cristata

Coelogyne cristata is the classic "angel orchid" of the Himalayan foothills, where it grows on mossy rocks and tree trunks at cool, misty elevations. Plump, glossy pseudobulbs cluster into a handsome specimen over time, and in late winter they send out arching sprays of pure white flowers with crisp, crystalline petals and a golden-crested lip. The blooms are softly fragrant, long lasting, and arrive just when the greenhouse needs them most.

Care Guide

• Light: Bright, indirect light. A little morning sun is fine, but shield it from harsh afternoon rays.
• Water: Water freely through spring and summer while new growth develops, then keep it much drier through winter, giving only enough to stop the pseudobulbs from shrivelling. That cool, dry rest is what triggers flowering.
• Humidity: 50-70%, with good air movement around the plant.
• Temperature: Cool to intermediate, 10-24°C (50-75°F), with a distinctly cool winter and a noticeable night-time drop.
• Growing medium: A well-draining bark mix in a pot or basket. It dislikes disturbance, so repot only when the medium breaks down or the plant truly outgrows its container.
• Feeding: Balanced orchid fertilizer at half strength every two weeks during active growth, stopping once the plant enters its winter rest.

Few orchids reward a cool windowsill or unheated greenhouse as generously as Coelogyne cristata. Let it build into a large clump, give it a proper winter rest, and it will repay you each year with cascades of snow-white, honey-scented flowers.