Every Coelogyne enthusiast’s fantasy comes true when they see Coelogyne Usitana hanging majestically from a basket. However, this orchid proves to be more difficult to grow and maintain than it initially appears to be.
To ensure that you never again encounter a failed bloom, we have provided you with this thorough instruction.
Learn What It Looks Like with Coelogyne Usitana
An orchid species named Coelogyne Usitana which was only described in 1995 has already become well-known.
Orchid Size
The medium-sized orchid Coelogyne Usitana inhabits its natural environment as an epiphyte or lithophyte. In order to provide safety and support, it generally grows on larger trees, ferns, or rocks.
Stems & Pseudobulbs
Pseudobulbs are storage structures that are found at the base of stems in almost all species of orchids. Usitana pseudobulbs are only a few inches thick and roughly three inches long. They are typically ovoid in shape and have three to four bracts covering them.
Each pseudobulb produces zigzag-shaped and angular blooming stalks. Twelve inches tall on average, each inflorescence can support up to twenty flowers.
Coelogyne Usitana orchids have upright inflorescences at first, but after a large bloom, they start to droop under their own weight and change into pendulous inflorescences.
Leaves and Flowers
Coelogyne usitana’s flowers have a cream or white-green color and are unscented. They are around four inches in diameter, however they frequently do not open completely.
Petal widths of Coelogyne usitana are typically small and thin. A single, often sixteen-inch-long by four-inch-wide leaf is produced by each pseudobulb.
Coelogyne Usitana Care
Requirements for Light
The light needs of the Coelogyne usitana orchid are quite simple. You won’t need to move this plant around the house all the time to give it the best possible light.
Usitana species grow well in filtered or indirect bright light, just like any other Coelogyne orchid species do. They are always successfully grown indoors in a well-lit space by our florists.
For some direct sunshine, you can also put them by or close to a window. Bright sunshine in the early morning or late evening is not too bad for them. Beware of the noon and afternoon sun since it can be harmful to them, especially in the summer and through a window with a southern exposure.
If you decide to put them in a garden, make sure to do so always in the shade of a bigger plant or tree. LED lights or overhead fluorescent lights function just as well if you’re growing them entirely indoors, like in a cellar, for example.
Yellowing of the blooms and leaves is a sign of sunburn and a reminder to relocate your orchid from the harsh sunshine.
Water Needs
People frequently approach us to voice their displeasure over the demanding water needs of orchids. We completely disagree. You may read more about how Coelogyne Usitana, in particular, makes it very simple and straightforward to meet your water needs below.
In the summer, how frequently should you water Coelogyne Usitana?
This orchid requires sufficient irrigation. Two to three waterings a week should be plenty unless you live in an exceedingly dry climate. Increase your watering if you reside in a dry area.
The substrate should sufficiently dry but not entirely between two watering cycles. Starting out, you’ll need to regularly check the substrate by inserting a pencil to see how dry it has become.
How Often During the Winter Should You Water Them?
Coelogyne usitana rests throughout the winter months. During this time, watering should be sufficiently decreased so that some shriveling of pseudobulbs and leaves is visible.
What Water Type Is Most Suitable for Coelogyne Usitana?
The purest and most secure water sources, such as rainfall, reverse osmosis, or filtered water, should be used to water your orchids. Check to see whether it doesn’t contain any dangerous compounds or has a pH below 7.5 if you can only spare normal tap water. Giving harsh alkaline water to your orchids is not a good idea.
What Happens if Water Is Permitted to Remain on the Orchid and in the Pot for a Long Period of Time?
Long-term water retention in the orchid’s surface and potting mix can result in serious bacterial and fungal diseases. You can avoid it by doing a few of the following:
- Make use of a potting media that drains effectively and quickly.
- Never overwater.
- Make sure the air is moving freely.
- Instead of planting them in pots, mount your orchids.
Soil
The species of Coelogyne orchid known as usitana thrives best when suspended in baskets among the many varieties. You have a choice of using wooden or plastic baskets. Both have worked well for our florists.
Pure sphagnum moss is what we strongly advise utilizing as a soil base. Sphagnum moss can also be used with bits of charcoal and fir tree bark.
Temperature
Coelogyne usitana needs warm weather for both growth and the spread of natural pollen.
You must maintain daytime temperatures between 68 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and prevent nighttime lows of 59 degrees.
Remember that the temperature at night should always be between 39 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the temperature at day.
The best way to grow coelogyne usitana at home.
Coelogyne Usitana orchids are quite simple to grow, despite being a relatively recent species. That is why this orchid is now frequently seen gracing homes, gardens, and greenhouses. Learn here how to develop and grow them on your own.
The Growing of Coelogyne Usitana Seeds
The majority of orchid enthusiasts like purchasing a plant that has been repotted or growing them from seed. This is due to the laborious and drawn-out procedure involved in developing orchids from the seedling stage. We have ideas on how to properly grow seeds at home after consulting our specialists.
See how in the paragraphs below.
Buy sterile seeds of superior quality from a reputable supplier.
Put them in a pot at first in a container with a nutritional material like peat moss or perlite.
Make sure the environment is the proper combination of temperature and humidity.
Wait. When shoots and roots start to appear, which will take an absurdly long time, you can move the entire thing into a little pot.
Repotting: When to Repot and How to Repot Coelogyne Usitana Orchid
Really, this orchid shouldn’t be potted again too frequently. If any of the following issues start to arise, you should only repot it:
- The substrate condenses, and its critical pH falls to below 5.5.
- Extreme salinity develops in the potting media.
- when the basket appears to be absolutely too small to fit your orchid. Pseudobulbs that start to droop from the sides of the basket serve as a sign of this.
You should repot the plant as soon as the flowering season is over if any of the aforementioned circumstances exist. Although Coelogyne usitana typically blooms from spring through summer, if you take good care of them, they are known to bloom all year long.
Fertilizer: Amount and Frequency
According to our observations, Coelogyne usitana has to be fertilized once every two to three weeks. Apply the fertilizer at the appropriate strength specified on the container. Spray the leaves with a diluted version of the fertilizer as well as the roots.
High Humidity Levels Are Required
A humidity level of between 55 and 60 percent is ideal for this orchid’s germination and growth. To sustain such high levels at all times, we advise having orchids and a humidifier in the room. But remember to give the space enough ventilation.
Summary: Final Thoughts
The essential information regarding growing and blooming the rare Coelogyne usitana orchids has already been covered in full. Here is an overview of all the crucial details:
Coelogyne usitana care instructions
As an indoor orchid, Coelogyne usitana requires a medium quantity of filtered or shaded light for the majority of the day.
Give your orchids regular waterings. Avoid letting the potting soil dry out between waterings.
Reduce irrigation during the winter. Because it leads to root and stem rot, overwatering should be avoided.
Ensure that it is hot: between 68 and 95 °F during the day and over 58 °F at night. From day to night, there should be a 39–41°F temperature drop.
Sphagnum moss alone or combined with charcoal makes for the best media for growing this orchid in baskets.
Don’t repot it frequently.
Use the typical strength of orchid fertilizers when fertilizing every two to three weeks. Additionally, mist the leaves with diluted fertilizer.
Orchids of the Coelogyne usitana species require constant humidity levels of between 55 and 60 percent.
Use a humidifier.
The only thing left for you to do is to go out and purchase a lovely basket, some Coelogyne usitana bulbs, and get started. With our advice and knowledge at your disposal, you can’t possibly fail this time.
