Orchid of the day: Coelogyne nitida

Coelogyne nitida

The genus Coelogyne from Southeast Asia contains both warm and cool growing species.  Coel. nitida belongs to the cool growing group but it is quite forgiving of warmer temperatures, especially during summer.  Coel. nitida wants copious amounts of water from spring to fall but the medium should never get soggy.  The balance is quite tricky and Arne finds it best to plant it in 50 % sphagnum moss with large chunks of bark and coconut husk, which break up the sphagnum moss and allow air to the roots. 

The plant is funny in that next year’s flower spike develops already with the new growth in spring and summer. The flower stems just stand like spears in the center of the growths until next season.  When the plant becomes dormant in November/December, no water is given until about February when suddenly the 'pre-made' flower stems quickly swell up and the buds break out into flowers.

A) Flowers growing almost 'linearly' on March 4th.

B) Beautiful bright orange dots on the lip of each flowers.

C) Out in the sun, briefly today. A total of thirteen flowers this season.

D) Another close up of the bright orange and yellow hue on the lips.

E) This orchid was divided a few years ago. It is now in its fifth year.

I hope you enjoyed looking at this beautiful orchid. Still blooming and has a mild fragrance in the middle of the day. Until my next post, have a great week!