Catasetum

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. Catasetums are epiphytic, less often terrestrial orchids with elongated pseudobulbs, spindle-like, up to 15 cm long. The leaves are large - up to 40 cm long, green, belt-shaped, with parallel veins. An interesting feature of this species is that the appearance of male and female flowers depends on lighting conditions. When there is a lack of light, male flowers are formed; in good lighting - women's. Male inflorescences bear about 10 fragrant flowers and reach a length of 30 cm, and each flower is about 12 cm in diameter.

Female inflorescences look more modest and have fewer flowers, although they are more brightly colored compared to male ones. Sometimes there are both male and female flowers on one plant. Each pseudobulb can have several inflorescences at once. The shades of the buds are very diverse - from white to green, red, burgundy, brown, pink, yellow, orange. The petals often have contrasting spots and stripes.

Height. Up to 60 cm. 

Temperature

Heat-loving orchid. During the growth period, daytime temperatures should be in the range of 25 - 35 ° C, with a decrease at night to 16 - 20 ° C. During the dormant period, cooler conditions are suitable - 21 - 25 ° C during the day and 13 - 15 ° C at night. 

Flowering time

Spring – summer, some species bloom in autumn. Catasetums can bloom at any time of the year.

Soil

The substrate is made up of sphagnum moss, finely chopped pine bark, with the addition of perlite to improve drainage. The soil should be loose, gas- and water-permeable.

Lighting

Lighting should be good, especially during periods of active growth. In winter, when the plant loses leaves, light does not play any role.

Reproduction

By division during transplantation, each division must have at least 3 healthy pseudobulbs. Propagation by seeds can mainly be done by specialists.

Peculiarities

During the dormant period, the leaves of the catasetum turn yellow and fall off. This allows the plant to conserve energy for flowering next season. 

Feeding

Feed regularly during the growing season with orchid fertilizers. Frequent fertilizing with half-strength fertilizer is better than infrequent fertilizing when the fertilizer is diluted according to the recommendations on its packaging.

Transplantation

Replanting is carried out with the beginning of new growth, preferably every year. 

Air humidity

From 40 to 60 percent. Place the orchid pot on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier. Catasetum requires good air movement without cold drafts. 

Watering

Watering is one of the main factors influencing the formation of large, healthy pseudobulbs. Water thoroughly until the earthen ball is completely soaked in a relatively short growing season. As pseudobulbs develop, the frequency of watering is gradually reduced. When the leaves turn yellow and fall off, watering is almost completely stopped. 

Pests and diseases

Stem rot due to insufficient air movement. When overwatered, the plant also rots.

Spider mites can appear among pest insects.