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Coelogyne cristata

Discussion in 'Introduce Yourself' started by schur555, Aug 18, 2010.

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  1. Aug 18, 2010 #1
    schur555

    schur555 New Member

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    Hi

    I just received my first Coelogyne Cristata but think it is not in good shape. Its bulbs are rimpled and it is growing half outside the container. Does anyone has tips how to treat this one ( I do not want to over water the plant but have the urge to try to make the plant happier)

    Many thanks for your tips and hints

    Jan
     
  2. Aug 22, 2010 #2
    Paul J

    Paul J New Member

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    Standard C. cristata do best for me when kept well watered during the warm season, the pseudobulbs should be plump and the newest ones smooth. It should be planted in a mostly bark-free medium that stays damp, but is well drained; frequent watering is better than wet media. Most roots should be in the medium. Depending upon where you are, start reducing water in late September to mid-October and move the plant to where it can get cooler temps, upper 30's and low 40's are fine, but 50's are okay. Keep it in bright light. Give little water, better to occasionally mist, from mid-November through February. It should bloom during the winter. By this time the p-bulbs may be wrinkling, which is fine as long as you do not let them shrivel. Start gradually increasing water about 60-90 days after the last bloom; by May they should be getting frequent water again. This species is not particular about fertilizer, a standard houseplant formula works just fine.
     
  3. Aug 22, 2010 #3
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I would add that growing half outside the container is not unusual. Many Coelogyne are resentful of being repotted and can take a long time to start growing again (sometimes years). In that case, the pseudobulbs will get quite shriveled. The roots travel along the rhizome under the paper bracts (that may not me the correct term, but is understandable) so you will not see roots coming from new pseudobulbs. If you do repot, I have found that having some coconut product (I prefer the powder, but chunks will work) as part of the mix greatly speeds the rooting and recovery process. Another thing to remember is that you do not want to get water on the flowers as they start to open since you can get spotting if the humidity is high.
     
  4. Aug 23, 2010 #4
    schur555

    schur555 New Member

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    Thanks for you tips. After 1 week with enough water the bulbs start to look better. Hope to get it in flower this winetr and will send a picture if it does

    Jan