My new Coelogyne Cristata

[ALToronto]

I just picked one up at an orchid show, only 4 mature pbulbs and two new ones just starting. The vendor said that it was growing in a cool greenhouse, at about 12C (55F). I put it on my coldest windowsill, in an east-facing window, with the window unlocked but not open. So during the day, the temp is at about 12-13C, and at night it drops to 7-9C. On sunny days, it gets about 2-3 hours of sunshine.

I know that these temps are quite good for the winter period, but should I keep it a little warmer since it's in active growth mode? And what is more important - low temp or more light? Unfortunately, I can't give it both. Also, how often should I be watering it at these temps? It's in a chc/sphag/perlite mix, so it stays pretty moist for 2-3 weeks. And should I be fertilizing it?

Thanks in advance

[Brooke]

My cristata both get Catt light and I grow them very wet. The temps in winter never go below 60 and get 85-ish in the summer.

If the vendor had it potted in a very moisture retaining mix I would guess he also grows it in high light and keeps it moist.

My regular cristata is almost finished now but my alba is just starting out. I love this species.

Brooke