Coelogyne cristata

I received this Coelogyne cristata as a gift from Windswept in Time Orchids in the spring of 2014. I was looking for another Coelogyne, but Edgar did not have it. However, he did have a Coelogyne cristata in need of some love and care. So I gladly took it home and repotted it. Over the summer, I watered it heavily and watched the pseudobulbs plump up. 

Considering its condition and the finicky nature of recently repotted Coelogynes, I was very surprised to see the spike emerging last fall. It is finally blooming and, I love, love the flowers. They are about 3 inches wide, pure white petal with yellow-orange throat. Many Coelogyne cristata are fragrant. However, mine is not. Still I am looking forward to next year's blooming already. 

Coelogyne cristata is considered a cool growing species found throughout Southeast Asia, Southwest China, India, and several Pacific islands. This species grows in areas with clearly defined wet and dry season. Under cultivation this translates to frequent watering for four to six months in warm weather. I placed my Coelogyne in a shallow dish during the summer so that water was always available. This method worked best for me.