🇮🇩 Habitat and Ecology
​Coelogyne radioferens (the Rayed Coelogyne) is a medium-sized, epiphytic or lithophytic orchid endemic to the island of Borneo (Brunei, Kalimantan, and Sabah). It thrives in lower to upper montane forests, typically growing on the bases of tree trunks or occasionally on rocks at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,100 meters. This species is adapted to a cool-to-intermediate growing regime within the wet tropical biome, where it experiences consistent moisture and high humidity.
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This orchid is a sympodial perennial belonging to the Section Tomentosae.
​Pseudobulbs & Foliage: It produces close-set, slender, spindle-shaped to cylindrical pseudobulbs that become shallowly grooved with age. Each pseudobulb is topped by two apical, long-obovate to elliptic, plicate (pleated) leaves that can be 5 to 9 nerved.
​Flowers: The flowers are borne on a pendulous (drooping) inflorescence that is 9.5 to 28 cm long and typically arises from a mature pseudobulb (proteranthous). The spike carries 6 to 15 simultaneously opening flowers, usually blooming in spring and autumn.
​Aesthetics: The flowers are approximately 5 cm (2 inches) wide. They are typically creamy-white, pale green, or slightly brownish, with a distinct lip. The specific epithet radioferens (meaning "ray-bearing") refers to the distinct keels or raised lines on the lip, which are often toothed or warty and radiate outward. The lip is typically marked with brown or cinnamon-coloured veins.
​Ethnobotany: While there are no specific ethnobotanical records for C. radioferens, the genus Coelogyne is horticulturally significant, and some related species in the region are used in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial properties or as ornamental plants in local gardens.
​Differentiation: C. radioferens is often compared to other "Necklace Orchids" in the Section Tomentosae:
​Versus C. tomentosa (Massangeana): C. tomentosa generally produces much longer flower spikes (up to 1 meter) and has a different keel structure on the lip.
​Versus C. dayana: C. dayana has exceptionally long, cascading spikes and narrower pseudobulbs compared to the shorter, stouter habit of C. radioferens.
​Versus C. rochussenii: C. rochussenii has lemon-yellow flowers and a different floral structure, easily distinguished from the creamy/brown tones of C. radioferens.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Coelogyne radioferens is a warm-to-cool growing orchid that is well-suited for hanging baskets or mounted culture due to its pendulous flower spikes.
​Light: Requires bright, diffuse light. It thrives in light levels similar to Cattleya, where a hand passed over the leaves produces a faint shadow. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
​Substrate: Best grown in a hanging basket or pot with a well-draining epiphyte mix of medium bark, tree fern fiber, perlite, and sphagnum moss.
​Watering: Keep the medium moist throughout the year. Water 3-5 times per week during active growth, allowing the medium to dry slightly between waterings. Do not allow it to dry out completely.
​Temperature:
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 20-27 C (68-80 F).
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A cool drop is beneficial, ideally 11-16 C (52-61 F).
​Humidity: High humidity (60-80%) is preferred, along with good air circulation to prevent bacterial issues.
​✨ Unique Features
​This Bornean endemic is a collector's favorite for its pendulous chains of "rayed" flowers that offer a subtle, sophisticated beauty. Its compact size relative to the massive C. dayana makes it a more manageable "Necklace Orchid" for home growers who still want the dramatic cascading floral display.
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: (user input)
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Coelogyne radioferens B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB