Coelogyne lawrenceana

Also known as: Lawrence's Coelogyne or Coelogyne lawrenceana h.f. alba Coelogyne fleuryi in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Lawrence's Coelogyne is a medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the English Orchid Enthusiast in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 36cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery arching leaves that grow to 3-25cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10cm

Flowers

A single long lasting, fragrant blossom appears

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 257mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 64% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 13C to 29C, highest in April (18C to 29C) and lowest in January (13C to 26C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

During Summer, be sure to keep media moist.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots