🌳 Habitat and Ecology
Coelogyne schilleriana is a miniature to small-sized, desirable epiphytic orchid native to Southeast Asia, specifically found in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Vietnam. It grows on moss-covered trees and branches in tropical, broad-leafed, evergreen montane forests at elevations typically between 800 and 1,200 metres. This species is adapted to an intermediate growing regime with a distinct seasonal pattern, requiring high humidity and bright, filtered light.
🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
This orchid is a compact, sympodial perennial that forms dense clumps.
 * Pseudobulbs & Foliage: It produces small, oval to cylindrical pseudobulbs (often 2-3 cm long) that are slightly ribbed and typically bear two apical, leathery, elliptic leaves.
 * Flowers: The flowers are borne singly on a very short, terminal spike that emerges from the base of the newly matured pseudobulb. Blooms appear in winter and spring. The blooms are medium-sized for the plant (4-6 cm wide).
 * Aesthetics: The sepals and petals are typically pale greenish-yellow to translucent white. The prominent feature is the large, ornate lip (labellum), which is deeply cupped and heavily marked with bold dark brown or blackish-red stripes, patches, or reticulations over a white or yellow background. The flowers are fragrant.
 * Ethnobotany: While no specific ethnobotanical uses are commonly recorded for this species, Coelogyne species have historically been used in Asia as ornamentals and occasionally studied for their phytochemical compounds.
💧 Cultivation and Care
Coelogyne schilleriana is an intermediate growing orchid that is manageable on a bright windowsill or in a cool conservatory in the UK, provided its rest period is met.
 * Light: Requires bright, filtered light. High light is needed for flowering, but protect from harsh midday sun.
 * Substrate: Use an open, free-draining, moisture-retentive epiphytic mix of medium-grade bark, perlite, and a small amount of sphagnum moss or coir. This plant is mostly grown mounted.
 * Watering: Water regularly during the growing season (spring to autumn), keeping the medium evenly moist. In winter, reduce watering significantly to enforce a rest, allowing the medium to become nearly dry between waterings.
 * Temperature:
   * Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-25 C (64-77 F).
   * Optimal Nighttime Temperature (Winter Rest): A cool period is necessary to induce flowering, ideally 10-15 C (50-59 F).
 * Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (55-75%) and good air circulation are necessary.
✨ Unique Features
This orchid is a collector's favourite for its miniature size and the spectacular, intricate, dark markings on its large lip, which create a striking contrast against the pale sepals. Its reliable winter/spring bloom time and sweet fragrance make it a highly desirable specimen for home cultivation.
🏷️ Specifications
Plant Size: 4-8 pseudobulbs on each plant, flowering size and growing on mounts.
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Coelogyne schilleriana B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB