My first Coelogyne lawrenceana

[kman]

Well this is my first. It was a division given to me by a veteran orchid enthusiast. I a newbie was pleased. It has been re potted into ground coconut media and placed in a test area of my yard. Part of the name on the tag is 'Paywela' this may or may not be correct? Any information on this plant will be appreciated. This is a great site for new learners and filled with nice people. P.S. I live in zone 10b Southern CA. coastal.

[Brenda Aarts]

Hi Kman,

Checked on Orchid Wiz....no mention of the 'Paywela' anywhere. Says that light should be 1500-2500 fc, cultivated plants need shading....no direct sunlight. Strong air movement is recommended to prevent leaf burn and any diseases. Temps - summer days 81-82 degrees, night average of 65. Humidity at 80% summer months and about 65% in winter months. Recommends that water is increased in the spring when new growth begins, plant should be kept moist, but not soggy and plants should not be allowed to dry out completely while actively growing. Hope this helps somehwhat, I'm sure your friend who gave you the plant also gave you some pointers. I have a Coelogyne Speciosa, however have not been able to get it to flower yet. Looks like March and April are the normal flowering months for yours.

[Brooke]

The info Brenda gave you is excellent. I grow mine in a g/h in catt light BUT the g/h is shaded by 50% shade cloth - lots of light but no direct sun. I live in zone 6a.

It gets heavy fertilizer and water from late winter until late fall but even in winter it never stays dry for any extended period of time.

It will produce spikes in late summer but doesn't blooms until late spring. Immediately after flowering it produces new pbulbs and MUST BE watered constantly or the pbulbs shrivel really really bad.

It's an easy plant if you aren't afraid to water. For size reference it is in a 10" net pot and I grow it in a chunky coir mix.



Brooke

[calvin_orchidL]

Brooke - what a specimen! I saw divisions of these for sale but couldn't bring myself to get one cause I know how big they get. Guess I'll have to enjoy yours...virtually

[Brenda Aarts]

I can't take credit for the info ....I just retyped what Orchid wiz advised for the plant. Brooke, that is absolutely incredible!!!! I hope mine looks like that in 10 years!!! Does it flower every year for you?

[Brooke]

Calvin I am happy to virtually share my plant with you

Brenda it is a reliable annual bloomer. I got excited the first summer I had it because when the spikes formed so early I thought I would get a second bloom cycle out of it. Nope, it holds the spikes for months.

When I said they do not like to totally dry out even in the winter it is because you will lose a spike or two. One day the spike is green, the next day it will be brown and dry. Getting too dry is the only thing I can think of that causes it.

Brooke

[kman]

Thank you for the information and very nice photo. Best regards.