Troubleshooting
Coelogyne cristata problems — and how to fix them
Coelogyne cristata (Coelogyne cristata) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
No flowers
By far the commonest issue; without a cold, dry winter rest at around 7-13°C the plant makes only leaves. Give a distinct cool, dry spell to trigger buds.
Shrivelled pseudobulbs in winter
Some plumpness is lost during rest, but severe shrivelling means too dry; give occasional light watering to keep bulbs from collapsing.
Resents repotting / sulks
Dislikes root disturbance and may pause after dividing; repot only when essential, into fresh open mix, and let the clump establish undisturbed.
Snails, slugs, and scale
Slugs chew emerging buds and new growth, while scale infests pseudobulbs; protect developing spikes and treat scale with diluted alcohol or soap.
Prevent coelogyne cristata problems before they start
Most coelogyne cristata issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for coelogyne cristata in general rather than its problems? Read the full coelogyne cristata care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Coelogyne cristata problems — FAQ
Why is my coelogyne cristata no flowers?
By far the commonest issue; without a cold, dry winter rest at around 7-13°C the plant makes only leaves. Give a distinct cool, dry spell to trigger buds.
Why is my coelogyne cristata shrivelled pseudobulbs in winter?
Some plumpness is lost during rest, but severe shrivelling means too dry; give occasional light watering to keep bulbs from collapsing.
Why is my coelogyne cristata resents repotting / sulks?
Dislikes root disturbance and may pause after dividing; repot only when essential, into fresh open mix, and let the clump establish undisturbed.
Why is my coelogyne cristata snails, slugs, and scale?
Slugs chew emerging buds and new growth, while scale infests pseudobulbs; protect developing spikes and treat scale with diluted alcohol or soap.