catasetum pileatum alba

[Ben_in_North_FLA]

bought this little guy 3 years ago at Tamiami festival in miami from a Taiwan grower and have been eagerly awaiting this first bloom, I believe it is a clone.
My first alba of the catasetinae family, am very happy with it

[Dorchid]

Very cool!

[isurus79]

Wow! Beautiful!

[smweaver]

That's an interesting bloom. How long did the flowers last (or are they still in good shape)?

[Ben_in_North_FLA]

lasted 2+ weeks, its a small plant still, am hoping for much better next year

[smweaver]

I do find all of the catasetinae family to be interesting. I just can't keep the sunroom warm enough for many of them during the winter. I think that pileatum is one of the true "heat lovers," which rules it out. But it's a pretty cool looking bloom. Congratulations on your flowering. I'm sure it will only continue to improve as it matures.

[Roberta]

Male flowers don't tend to last very long. And if they get jostled even a little such that the pollinia are triggered, they fade quickly. So enjoy while they last. That's a beauty!. Advantage of Catasetinae... once they lose leaves, they don't take up much space. Just bring into the house and put someplace where they won't be bothered. I put mine out once they start to leaf out and nights get up to about 55 deg F.

[orchidman77]

Wow, that's gorgeous.

David