The Long Awaited "Nun's Orchids"

[gixrj18]

This is Catasetum integerrimum (left) and Catasetum macrocarpum (right) flowering in male form.

I bought the Ctsm. integerrimum about a year ago, it was in spike when I bought it....but all the buds blasted during shipping. Then, it grew another spike....which was mysteriously chomped off by something when it was about 5" long. Needless to say, blooms are long-awaited. So I guess this year, the plant figured I deserved a good bloom.....cuz it has two spikes, and is starting a third! The Ctsm. macrocarpum bloomed about a month ago, but decided to open a second round at the same exact time as the integerrimum! They look like a bunch of little "Grim Reapers"....just in time for Halloween!
I think I will try to up the light for the next spike...I'd like to see the female flowers now.

[gmdiaz]

OMG! I love it!

Little figs with wings!

LOVE that last photo too. . .really cool!

[Sandy4453]

Jasen, these are outstanding! You're doing everything perfectly with these, obviously!

I've got 3 and I'm hoping that they forgive me enough for next years potential blooming.

Would you mind telling how you're growing these? In/outside? Medium? When these go into rest for the winter, do you take them out of their pots? And what about the light during winter? Shade or bright light then?

Please post more pics when the other buds open!

Congratulations and enjoy~!

[gixrj18]

Thank you, Sandy! These have been in medium light (55-60%) year-round, planted in fir bark mostly. During the summer, they get fertilized heavily twice a week, with a good rinse....and misted by my misters about once a day. During the winter, they get a low nitrogen fertilizer once a week. A reliable source told me you can still water them when they're dormant (and fertilize with blossom booster), as long as it drains well....and dries quick. I have stuck to this, and haven't had the first problem from it....and they are still blooming! It probably has a lot to do with the fact that we don't have much of a winter here.....who knows, it works though! I will update this thread when the other spikes bloom.

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

Jasen, these are outstanding! You're doing everything perfectly with these, obviously!

I've got 3 and I'm hoping that they forgive me enough for next years potential blooming.

Would you mind telling how you're growing these? In/outside? Medium? When these go into rest for the winter, do you take them out of their pots? And what about the light during winter? Shade or bright light then?

Please post more pics when the other buds open!

Congratulations and enjoy~!

[Becca]

Jasen, at my locally orchid society we recently had a guest speaker give a presentation on Catasetums, Cycnoches, and their Relatives. We were told it was easier to get the male flowers then the female flowers because the female flowers usually develop with such higher light. The Catesetum are very very interesting! It is great to see some one growing these after recently seeing a presentation on them.....before I would have thought....male flowers, female flowers, what the heck?

[dgenovese1]

Hi Jasen,

These are very cool! I particularly like the Catasetum macrocarpum. Well done.

[isurus79]

Jasen,
You have some really cool lookin Catasetums. Do these ones have any scent? It also interesting that you continue watering during winter. After talking to the folks at TOF and H&R, your story of a quick drying, though moist winter rest has me intrigued. I sense an experiment coming on!! Ill probably regret it but Im a sucker for experiments!

[Sandy4453]

Originally Posted by gixrj18

A reliable source told me you can still water them when they're dormant (and fertilize with blossom booster), as long as it drains well....and dries quick. I have stuck to this, and haven't had the first problem from it....and they are still blooming!

Jasen, the proof is in your pics but now, I'm thoroughly confused. Are you growing these in or outdoors? Once a week...not once a month, right? Just want to make sure this wasn't a typo.

Originally Posted by isurus79

It also interesting that you continue watering during winter.

Steve, I was wondering what your reaction would be to this. I know you're big on these.

[kavanaru]

wow, jasen... those plants are doing pretty well... Catasetum plants normally produce 1 or 2 spikes, a third is a great gift I've had that only once before (Catasetum pileatum Oro Verde)

Catasetum macrocarpum is somehow my childhood orchid. They are so abundant in the area where I grew up, that they are actually even considered a plage sometimes... I think, now that I finally managed to get my Ctsm. pileatum Imperiale, I should go for a macrocarpum (and a discolor - also from Venezuela - they are offering now at my favorite nursery )

Just a correction to your post: all those flowers really llok like males, and not females If you give higher light, then you will have females...

[gixrj18]

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

Jasen, the proof is in your pics but now, I'm thoroughly confused. Are you growing these in or outdoors? Once a week...not once a month, right? Just want to make sure this wasn't a typo.


Steve, I was wondering what your reaction would be to this. I know you're big on these.

Yes, once a week, with blossom booster, KLN, and molasses.

Just a correction to your post: all those flowers really llok like males, and not females If you give higher light, then you will have females...

OOPS! I got my sexes crossed.....hope that doesn't happen again!! Thanks kavanaru, I will fix it right now. I love pileatum, that one's next on the list!

Thank you all, I'm glad you like my "figs with wings".