Coelogyne cristata grows in the mountainous rain-forests of South-East Asia, at altitudes ranging from 1500 to 2600 m. Due to the rough and cold environment that the Coelogyne cristata inhabits there, the Orchid carries the nick-name 'Snow-queen'. Coelogyne cristata was described in 1824 by Lindley from a plant sent to him by N. Wallich from Nepal. It is an epiphytic or sometimes lithophytic orchid from montane forests from the Himalayas to Bangladesh at 1000-2600 m altitude. Plants have thin roots and pseudobulbs arising from a rhizome close to each other. Pseudobulbs are 3-5 cm tall, smooth, almost spherical and carry 2 tough, glossy, leaves each 15-30 cm long and 2-25 cm wide. Flowering occurs in early spring after the rest period, on 10-30 cm long stems with 3-10 white flowers of about 8 cm diameter. Flower lip is decorated with bright yellow. Coelogyne cristata is a large plant when grown right and needs space and good air circulation. Can be grown easily in a pot or a hanging basket with small sized bark and it is very rewarding. For additional plant information for this special orchid see the Araflora plant symbols.

Coelogyne cristata likes a great deal of light and cooler temperatures. Night time temperatures between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius and day time temperatures that are approximately 5 degrees higher are perfect for this orchid. A varying temperature between day and night has a positive effect on the blooming of the plant. In the summer Coelogyne cristata will sustain outside when placed in the half shadow. However, when temperatures rise too high the blooming of the orchid will suffer. During the growing season, make sure to water the orchids plentiful. In between watering the soil needs to have sufficient time to dry up. The blooming occurs from late winter onward until early spring. Post blooming season Coelogyne cristata does not need watering anymore. Even when the special thickened base of the stem (with the purpose of storing extra nutrients and water) starts to dwindle, watering is not necessary. The plant will thrive best when watering is held off till the first new growth appears. In the wild, this Orchid grows on trees. Therefore, to yield the best results, choose a soil mix containing tree bark. Araflora offers a special Orchidmix calles 'pine bark course' (orchid bark). For additional plant information care information for this special orchid see the Araflora plant symbols.