Coelogyne Cristata about to bloom - how much should I water it?

[ALToronto]

This will be a first blooming for the plant (and for me, with coelogynes!). I didn't realize until a couple of days ago that the new growth was, in fact a flower spike - I thought it was just another bulb.

It's in a shallow 15 cm (6") diameter plastic pot, growing in 50% sphagnum, 25% fine bark and 25% styrofoam chips. It's sitting on a chilly east facing windowsill, where the temp at night goes down to the low teens, and during the day doesn't get much above 18. The spike started growing in mid-October, when the weather was still pretty warm, although already much cooler than in the summer.

I've been watering it about once a week, when the sphag on the surface would get very dry. However, I haven't really stuck my fingers inside the pot for fear of disturbing the roots (and I know how sulky coelogynes can be if they're disturbed). One root has snuck out of one of the drainage holes and has started coiling itself in the drain dish below. The dish often has water in it, but it does dry out.

So my question is: am I overwatering or underwatering it? My gut tells me that low temp = low water, but at the same time, flower spike = adequate water. All advice is much appreciated.

[WeirdGuySeattle]

sounds like you getting a flower means you are doing something right - just keep your routine.

That said, I always fail to react to seasonal changes fast enough - in fall / winter I am still on summer watering schedule, and in spring / summer I am still a little slow to react to the changes in water / shade / humidity needs.

water needs can be judged by bulb fatness and pot weight.

[Bud]

Right, you were doing great for the orchid plant to flower....changing your regimen might change the balance and rot your roots with overwatering since moss might be dry on the surface but still wet in the midcenter.

[Yéri]

First of all, a big congratuwelldone for your first Coelogyne flowers!

I'll have to agree with WeirdGuySeattle, if you managed to get a flower spike you were giving it the correct conditions.

Keep at it and change the regime only if you see the plant moving onto a new stage.

I'm happy to see it's not only here in Belgium C. cristata is blooming freakishly early this year!

[ALToronto]

And it bloomed! It's by far the most elegant orchid I've ever seen. It's faintly fragrant in the morning, and overall, it just makes me smile when I walk in the front door of my house.



Thanks everyone for your help and advice.

[Yéri]

Beautiful!!!

[ron-in-norcal]

Those are right at the top of my list of orchids to get next. You use the word I think of when I see them, elegant. Great job!

[Bud]

classic elegance....large beautiful flowers, and fragrant at that! good growing....

[Polarizeme]

Mine is spiking. I have an alba cristata form and the normal species. Yours is gorgeous, I hope mine looks at least half as nice!

[Orchid Whisperer]

I have a C. c., the plant looks good, but I have only had it a year, it has grown a lot and has new growths now, but none appear to be blooms.

I am hoping for blooms maybe next year at this time.