Family: Orchidaceae

Comprising around 100 species, this genus of spectacular epiphytic orchids is found growing in Southeast Asia, India and New Guinea. Most of the species produce long, dense flower sprays, either pendulous or erect, in cream, yellow or green, with brown markings. The species most commonly known in cultivation has scented, white flowers.

Species

C. cristata, angel orchid, the most commonly cultivated of the species, bears drooping sprays of large, pure white, fragrant flowers from winter through to spring. It is advisable to elevate the pots to enhance the superb display of flowers.

C. flaccida also flowers from winter through to spring, with smaller blooms in rich cream or white.

C. massangeana, a native of Thailand, Java and Borneo, has long sprays of fragrant, yellow flowers, 5 cm (2 in) in diameter, in yellow with brown shadings on the lip.

C. pandurata, black orchid, from Borneo, produces arching sprays of fragrant, green flowers, the lip heavily veined in black.

Cultivation

C. cristata makes a good house plant. The others are best grown in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory. The best containers are slatted wooden orchid baskets. Grow the plants in an orchid compost formulated for epiphytic orchids, which should be available from orchid nurseries. The plants need bright light but shade from direct sun, and a humid atmosphere in summer, when they should be watered regularly. Feed weekly. Keep plants dry in winter. Species from tropical climates like C. massangeana and C. pandurata need a warm greenhouse and should be kept moist all year round.

Climate

Zone 10 and above.