How to care for Catasetum orchids - basic culture for Catasetum type orchids

Catasetum orchids are a very rewarding group of orchids, easy to care for and fast growing, particularly good for those of use with no patience :) here are some basic culture tips to properly grow these orchids.

The most important aspect of their culture revolves around the res period, time in which the orchid loses its leaves and becomes inactive. During this period the orchid doesn't need as much water, if at all, doesn't really require light either and certainly no fertilizer. usually the rest comes in the winter time, after the blooms fall.

In spring the orchid usually comes out of dormancy and starts to produce new growth at the base of the last pseudobulb produce, although old backbulbs can produce new growth as well. At this time it is best to repot the orchid into fresh media, before the roots of the new growth start to appear, thus the risk of damaging them is reduced.

Watering should be resumed gradually as the roots grow and start to absorb water. The roots need to be about 10 cm long before watering is resumed.

In summer time, or the growing period, the orchid needs to stay constantly moist, benefit from a lot of fertilizing and needs bright light and warm temperatures. The growth rhythm is accelerated and usually the pseudobub completely matures in about 6-7 months. It is said that bright light can promote female flowers, while less bright light can induce male flowers. I don't have enough experience to say this is true or false.

At the end of summer or in the fall, the Catasetum orchid will start to produce a flower spike from along the newly produced pseudobulb. Depending on the species or variety, the leaves might start to fall at this time as well. The orchid will prepare for its dormancy and the cycle is repeated.

Some catasetum hybrids or species have great fragrances, while others have magnificent flowers. In any case, they are certainly well worth a try!

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