Orchid Catasetum Care

The orchid Catasetum (pronounced kat-ah-SEE-tum) offers a tremendous variety of flower forms and colors. This is a deciduous orchid that follows a strict growing, blooming, and resting period (when they drop their leaves). When they bloom the large waxy flowers will be either male or female.

Catasetum Light
Light should be strong (especially near the end of the growth period), with one-half to three-fourths full sun. As the plants complete their flowering cycle, they will lose their foliage and will tolerate less light.

Catasetum Temperature
Temperatures reflect the fact these orchids are native to hot tropical areas and grow during the rainy summer months. During this growing period, day temperatures of 80° to 90° F and night temperatures of 60° to 65° F are beneficial. After growths mature, temperatures can be reduced.

Catasetum Water
Water is a critical factor for the production of large pseudobulbs. While they are in active growth they like to be watered frequently. As the pseudobulb matures, gradually reduce watering frequency. Leaves will yellow and drop, then watering should be stopped completely until new growth begins.

Catasetum Humidity
Humidity should be 40 to 60 percent. This can be provided in the home by placing the plants on trays of gravel, only partially filled with water so that the plants do not sit in the water. Air should always be moving around the plants to prevent fungal or bacterial disease.

Catasetum Feeding
Fertilize and water regularly to produce strong pseudobulbs. Use a high nitrogen formulation while plants are in active growth, slowly tapering off as pseudobulbs form. ‘Weekly, weakly’ is good with orchids, which means to dilute the fertilizer to one quarter strength and fertilze more often. Follow up with just plain water once a month to flush out excess fertilizer salts.

Catasetum Potting
The best time to repot Catasetums is in the spring, when new growth resumes. New roots will be produced quickly at this time, and plants will experience minimal setback. These plants have vigorous root systems and require a rich, moist potting medium during the growing season. Sphagnum moss is used successfully, as it provides tremendous water and fertilizer holding capacities.