NOS member David shares his growing tips for his ad Lorain’s previous Orchid of the month winning plant Coelogyne rochus senii.
This species is found in Malaysia Borneo, Java, Sumatra and the Philippines on trees overhanging rivers at elevations up to 1500 metres. It is mainly a warm growing epiphyte but has been found occasionally as a lithophyte. The long cascading spikes have up to 50 flowers which are lemon scented and are quite over powering .
I grow these plants hanging in the shade house which has 50% cloth on the roof, but remember I have a lot of trees around me ,so you might require 75% in a very open position.
I recommend every three years is suitable time to tidy up and repot. do repotting in September / October in a mix of bark and perlite . I find this species grows fairly quickly and flowers best when left alone to build into a specimen.
Lorrain’s Coelogyne rochus senii
Fertilising is done weekly with Peters Calmag Finisher and once a month with Neutrog Strike Back for Orchids.
As far as pests and diseases are concerned, I find an occasional spray with a systemic insecticide containing Imidacloprid and a good all purpose fungicide is beneficial.
At the last meeting this orchid made quite a statement. Twelve spikes, and considering it is so difficult to transport, Lorraine did a very good job and didn't loose a flower .
I look forward every year when this orchid comes into flower because it makes a stunning display and if you are a fairly new grower ,this is an easy orchid to grow and very rewarding.
For Any further information, just ask me at the meeting or give me a call.
Good growing, David