This popular genus has pseudobulbs with one or two pleated leaves. These pseudobulbs vary in size and are mostly of an ovoid shape and can be closely or widely spaced on the rhizome. The leaves may also be closely spaced or far apart. The genus was described by Lindley in 1825. In reference to the hollow stigmatic area on the column, he named the genus from two Greek words: koilos (hollow) and gyne (female). The species of Coelogyne are popular in collections due to their mostly fragrant, free flowering, showy inflorescences. Most species are epiphytes, occurring in tropical lowland and montane rainforests. In open, humid environments, some species may also grow as lithophytes or even as terrestrial plants. Most species are characterized by medium sized to large flowers with a sweet scent and are pollinated by bees, beetles or wasps. There are more than 200 named species which occur throughout Southeast Asia, with main centres of distribution in Borneo, Sumatra and the Himalayas.
Temperature
Should mostly be intermediate though some species prefer warmer conditions and some, such as C. mooreana prefer cooler conditions.
Light
Should be similar to many other orchid genera, 50% to 70% shadecloth on greenhouses.
Water
Should be such that the plants are constantly moist with good drainage throughout the year. New growths have tightly rolled leaves that tend to hold water. Care should be taken to avoid water standing in the new growths. Humidity should be 50% to 80%.
Fertiliser
Should be balance (20-20-20) most of the year but should be increased to a higher potassium formula a month or 2 before flowering.
Potting
Potting in a variety of growing media will provide adequate cultural conditions: bark mixtures, sphagnum moss, coconut-fibre mixtures. Pot culture is recommended with repotting every 2 years.