Coelogyne lawrenceana

Coelogyne lawrenceana is a handsome Vietnamese species and one of the largest-flowered members of its genus. Tall, ribbed pseudobulbs carry a pair of leathery leaves, and in spring each new growth produces a single spectacular bloom up to 10 cm across, with pale cream to soft yellow-green petals framing a broad lip boldly marked in chestnut brown and warm gold. The flowers are fragrant and beautifully poised, holding well above the plant for weeks.

Care Guide

• Light: Bright, indirect light with protection from direct midday sun.
• Water: Water regularly while new growths develop through spring and summer, then ease off in autumn and keep it just barely moist over winter so the pseudobulbs stay plump without staying wet.
• Humidity: 60-75%, with good air circulation around the plant.
• Temperature: Intermediate, roughly 14-28°C (57-82°F), with cooler nights year round.
• Growing medium: A chunky, free-draining bark mix in a pot deep enough to support the tall pseudobulbs. Repot only when the medium decomposes, as it resents root disturbance.
• Feeding: Balanced orchid fertilizer at half strength every two weeks during active growth, reduced to occasional feeding in winter.

With its statuesque growth and dramatically patterned lip, Coelogyne lawrenceana makes a real centrepiece for an intermediate collection. Give it steady warmth, bright shade, and a drier winter, and it will reward you with some of the boldest flowers the genus has to offer.