When should I start watering catasetum?
Once the new Catasetum roots are more than 3 inches long, (preferably around 8 inches or 20 cm) and new leaves are forming, then it is time to water. This should coincide with spring in for many Catasetum orchids. When the orchid breaks dormancy, you can start watering like you would a Phalaenopsis orchid.
How do you grow catasetum Pileatum?
Catasetum pileatum grow well mounted on pieces of tree ferns, if during the summer they will be watered at least once a day. In the period of extremely hot and dry weather, attached plants may require even several waterings during the day.
How often should I water catasetum?
Due to this, the plants require constant moisture and regular fertilization. In most cases, irrigation will be needed 2 or 3 times a week.
When should I repot catasetum?
Repotting Catasetums. Inspect your dormant plants regularly during the November to March time period. You can repot after they have entered dormancy or wait until they are just sending up a new growth. Don’t wait any longer, you know the growth cycle is beginning and it is time to repot.
How do I get my catasetum to bloom?
Catasetums are known to produce male or female flowers based on the amount of light and humidity they are subject to. High light and low moisture tend to induce production of female flowers while low light and high humidity produce male flowers.
How do you fertilize catasetum?
Use a dilute solution, say 1/8 to 1/4 strength. You can fertilize with every watering and flush with plain water once or twice a month to remove residual salts. The catasetums will benefit from supplemental calcium and magnesium as well as organic products like fish emulsion and seaweed extract.
How do you plant a catasetum orchid?
Grow catasetum orchids in a medium that will hold a significant amount of water. Ideally, they should have a moist potting medium throughout the growing season. Sphagnum moss is a good choice. During the dormant season, you can remove the roots and let them dry.
How do you make a catasetum bloom?
kat-ah-SEE-tum
- Light should be strong, especially near the end of the growth period.
- Temperatures reflect the fact these orchids are native to hot tropical areas and grow during the rainy summer months.
- Water is a critical factor for the production of large pseudobulbs that result in best flowering.
Where is Catasetum pileatum found?
Catasetum pileatum is native to Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador. In Venezuela, these plants are located at altitudes of 120-150 m in several locations of the upper reaches of Río Orinoco in the Amazon and Río Capanaparo in the state of Apure. In Brazil, these plants are found on hot, humid lowlands in the states of Pará and Amazonas.
How do you care for a Catasetum pileatum?
Substrate, growing media and repotting: Catasetum pileatum grow well mounted on pieces of tree ferns, if during the summer they will be watered at least once a day. In the period of extremely hot and dry weather, attached plants may require even several waterings during the day.
How tall do Catasetum plants grow?
Catasetum pileatum is an impressive plant even out of flower. The fusiform (spindle-shaped) pseudobulbs grow about 16cm (about 6 inches) tall and the large leaves can reach 40cm (about 16 inches long) making typical plants nearly 60cm (2 feet) tall.
What does a Felt capped Catasetum look like?
The Felt-Capped Catasetum blooms in the spring through fall on a basal, erect to pendant, 30 cm long, 4 to 10 flowered, racemose inflorescence carrying fragrant flowers that open very flat and arise on a mature pseudobulb. The flowers have a distinct texture and can be over 10 cm in diameter.