Coeloygne fimbriata

Coeloygne fimbriata with its fringed lip is from China, Northern India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Cultivation Suggestions

This orchid can be grown on a mount or any well-drained pot in a shady, moist, frost-free spot. It will soon outgrow whatever it is in/on and all you will see will be aerial roots and runners. There is no need to rush out and repot it. It seems happy to keep growing like this for several years. As with any orchid that has a lot of aerial roots, you will need high humidity to keep them healthy. If the roots get dry they will die back. Then there will be more leaves than roots and the out of balance plant will suffer badly. To keep the humidity higher around the plant, place it over a tray of water (not in the water!)

If you want to start some new plants, just chop off some of the long rambling bits with as many pseudobulbs as possible. The best time to take cuttings is early in summer when new growth really takes off. In spring when most other orchids are flowering, Coelogyne fimbriata is tired after its long flowering season and goes a bit dormant for a couple of months. During this time many of the leaves will go yellow and drop off - so ease back on the watering and pour it onto the new cuttings instead.

I recommend a hanging basket so that growth and flowers can be more evenly distributed through a full 360 degrees. If the plant is hung against a wall it will end up with no growth on one side and becoming unattractive (this is only relevant if you want to exhibit your plant - otherwise keep it on the wall!). Try to avoid having the pot on your bench once it starts to grow seriously because it will smother its neighbours and even happily put its roots into their pots - remind you of a cuckoo?

Cultivation notes from Australian Orchid Nursery