Habitat:
Coelogyne merrillii is native to the Philippines, where it grows as an epiphyte in lowland and lower montane forests, typically at elevations between 500 and 1500 metres. It is found on large trees along forest edges, riverbanks, and in the canopy of primary forests where humidity is high year-round. This species prefers areas with good air movement, diffused light, and frequent rainfall. It is often associated with mossy trunks and branches in habitats that experience a wet tropical climate.
Description:
Coelogyne merrillii is a medium-sized epiphytic orchid forming dense clumps of ovoid pseudobulbs, 3–5 cm long, spaced closely along a creeping rhizome. Each pseudobulb bears two lanceolate to elliptic, leathery leaves, 15–30 cm long and 2–4 cm wide, with prominent longitudinal veins. The inflorescence is slender and arching, 20–35 cm long, bearing 5–12 flowers that open successively or nearly together. The flowers are 5–6 cm across, pale green to yellowish with a white lip marked by yellow or orange blotches and fine reddish-brown lines on the midlobe. The sepals and petals are narrow, spreading, and slightly wavy at the margins. The lip is three-lobed, with small side lobes and a more prominent midlobe adorned with keels.
Cultivation:
Coelogyne merrillii prefers bright, filtered light and warm, humid conditions. Daytime temperatures should range from 20–28°C, with nighttime temperatures between 14–18°C. Humidity should be maintained at 70–90% with good air movement. Grow in shallow baskets or pots filled with coarse bark mixed with sphagnum moss or mounted on tree fern or cork. Keep the roots evenly moist during the growing season, allowing slight drying between waterings in winter. The preferred substrate pH is slightly acidic (5.5–6.5). Fertilize every 2–4 weeks during active growth with a dilute balanced orchid fertilizer.
Specifications:
Plant Size: divisions from our stock plant. Adult plants with 4+ pseudobulbs.
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: Coelogyne merrillii B 140084 C [user input] D GB