SafePlants

Coelogyne Orchids

Coelogyne (pronounced see-lodge-eh-nee) is a genus of over 200 sympodial epiphytes belonging to the Orchidaceae family. Despite being relatively easy to grow, Coelogynes don't always get the attention they deserve. Many species are fragrant, adding to their appeal.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Coelogyne Lindl. 1821
• Family: Orchidaceae
• Rank: Genus
• The name Coelogyne is derived from the Greek words koilos (hollow) and gyne.
• John Lindley established the genus Coelogyne in 1821 to merge several different species.

Distribution and Habitat

• Coelogyne orchids are distributed across India, China, Indonesia, and the Fiji islands, as well as Borneo, Sumatra, the Malay archipelago, and the Philippines.
• Main centers of diversity are found in Borneo, Sumatra.
• Some species, like Coelogyne cristata, originate from the foothills of the Himalayas and Vietnam, thriving in cool, moist areas.
• They are found on rocks, soil, or dead trees.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Coelogyne orchids are sympodial epiphytes.
• Coelogyne fimbriata is an epiphytic herbaceous species with a thin creeping rhizome from which pseudobulbs start, spaced of 2-5 cm.
• Coelogyne barbata is an unusual rambling grower.
• Flowers come in shades of white, cream, salmon-pink, and yellow. Many are fragrant.
• Coelogyne cristata has large (8cm +) wavy, pristine white flowers.
• Coelogyne mooreana flowers are about 5 cm.
• Coelogyne fimbriata stands out when few other orchids bloom, flowering this time every year.

Species Examples

• Coelogyne cristata: Also known as the Crested Coelogyne (Bei Mu Lan in China). Flowers can be up to 10 cm. It is considered the most popular and widely grown Coelogyne.
• Coelogyne rochusseni: An epiphytic orchid grown for its foliage.
• Coelogyne rochusseni: Named after the wife of M Rousseau, a French Orchid Enthusiast from the 1800's.
• Coelogyne fimbriata: Also known as the Fringed Coelogyne (Liu Su Bei Mu Lan in China). Flowers are 3 to 4 cm.
• Coelogyne foerstermannii: a widespread and common species
• Coelogyne venusta: Excluded from some treatments due to being described based on cultivated material.
• Coelogyne pachystachya: Thick-spiked Coelogyne Orchid

Ecology

• They are epiphytic orchids, often found growing on trees.

Cultivation

• Coelogynes are generally considered easy to grow.
• They prefer bright light with no direct sunlight (1500-2000 footcandles).
• Cool growing Coelogynes prefer temperatures around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Centigrade).
• They can be grown on a mount or in a well-drained pot in a shady, moist, frost-free spot.
• Some prefer New Zealand sphagnum moss and love water.