🇵🇭 Habitat and Ecology
​Coelogyne pangasinanensis (widely known in horticulture by its synonym, Dendrochilum pangasinanense) is an epiphytic or lithophytic orchid endemic to the Philippines. As its specific epithet indicates, it is native to the Pangasinan province on the island of Luzon.
​Unlike the high-altitude cloud forest species often associated with this group, this species inhabits lowland to lower montane forests at elevations of 600 to 900 metres. It is frequently found growing on exposed rocky outcrops or cliffs along roadsides, where it withstands higher light intensities and warmer temperatures than its deep-shade cousins.
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This orchid is a sympodial, clump-forming perennial prized for its neat habit and prolific flowering.
​Pseudobulbs & Foliage: The plant features clustered, spindle-shaped pseudobulbs (2-4 cm tall) that often take on a yellowish hue when mature or grown in bright light. Each bulb bears a single, stiff, leathery leaf (15-25 cm long) with a distinct petiole.
​Flowers: The inflorescences emerge from the new growth (synanthous) and are initially erect before arching over to become pendulous. The spikes are wiry and can reach 30-45 cm in length, carrying two ranks of numerous small flowers.
​Aesthetics: The flowers are small (~9 mm) and are typically pale green, greenish-yellow, or starry yellow (distinct from the white D. cobbianum). They are arranged in a precise zigzag or distichous (two-ranked) pattern along the rachis. The blooms emit a sweet, spicy fragrance, often compared to anise or vanilla.
​🔬 Taxonomy and Ethnobotany
​Taxonomy: Originally described as Dendrochilum pangasinanense by Oakes Ames, recent DNA analysis has subsumed the genus Dendrochilum into Coelogyne. While scientifically Coelogyne pangasinanensis is now correct, the trade almost exclusively uses the old name.
​Ethnobotany:
​Horticultural Status: In the Philippines and globally, this species is valued as a "specimen plant". Because it clumps rapidly and is tolerant of warmer conditions, it is often grown into massive baskets that produce dozens of "golden chains" simultaneously, a display highly prized in orchid shows.
​Uses: No specific medicinal uses are recorded for this species.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Dendrochilum pangasinanense is one of the more forgiving members of its alliance due to its lower-elevation origins.
​Light: Requires bright, filtered light to high light. Because it naturally grows on exposed rocks, it can handle (and needs) brighter conditions than deep-shade epiphytes. Leaves should be a light apple-green; dark green leaves indicate insufficient light for blooming.
​Substrate: Best grown in a very free-draining mix to mimic its lithophytic habit. A mix of medium bark, charcoal, and pumice/perlite is ideal. It dislikes soggy, decomposing media.
​Watering: Water regularly during the active growing season. While it needs moisture, the drainage must be perfect.
​Seasonality: It does not require a hard dry rest, but you can reduce watering slightly in winter, allowing the medium to approach dryness between waterings.
​Temperature:
​Optimal: Warm to Intermediate. Day temperatures of 20-30 C (68-86 F) are ideal.
​Minimum: It prefers not to drop below 15 C (59 F). It is not a cool-grower.
​Humidity: Moderate to High (50-70%). While it enjoys humidity, it is less critical than for the cloud-forest species, provided the roots are kept hydrated.
​✨ Unique Features
​The defining feature of this species is the architectural precision of its flower spikes. The greenish-gold flowers are arranged in such a perfect, flat, two-ranked chain that they look mechanically assembled. Combined with its tolerance for warmer, brighter conditions, it is an excellent "starter" species for growers wanting to try "Chain Orchids" without a cool greenhouse.
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: these are divisions from our stock plant, in 12 cm pots and consist of 6+ pseudobulbs.
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Coelogyne pangasinanensis (syn. Dendrochilum pangasinanense) B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB