is this a Cymbidium back bulb, or a Catasetum?

[camille1585]

Asking for someone in the Dutch orchid community, there is much disagreement as to the ID of this bulb that someone acquired while on holiday.

Catasetum or Cymbidium back bulb? Getting the ID right is critical so that the OP can make the decision to water it now or not.

[Dollythehun]

Wow, Camille! I can see why you are stumped on that one. The first, I would have said one thing, and then the second another. Interesting question!

[Ray]

My initial thought was "cymbidium", but if that's a flower spike, that's not correct.

[orchidsarefun]

My vote is cymbidium. That new growth is exactly what I see currently on my ensifolium. I could be wrong

[Dollythehun]

I was looking at mine. I didn't see the ridges.

[camille1585]

Bulb looks very catasetum like, but the shape of the growth is more Cym like.

If the person starts watering, they'll find out soon enough what is is...

[cricketerry]

It looks like a typical cym bulb and growth to me. I'm a bit concerned about drainage in that pot, I hope the polythene has holes in it.

[homa]

when your plant have a few leave make ad some sun leave seabird guano. this produc make cym grow creazy

[estación seca]

I'm going with Cymbidium. Catasetinae leaves fall off on their own. Somebody cut the leaves off the top of this back bulb.

[Chris17]

Cymb.