Catasetum expansum

[Roberta]

This is a particularly robust species for me, I think that this is the first time that I have had my two different color forms in bloom at the same time. For both, the growths are still a bit immature - they will be a lot bigger and thicker in a month or so, and I see the beginnings of new spikes on both so more flowers are likely later in the season. The callus looks almost like wax or plastic. I have had the alba form for quite a few years, and have divided it. The red form is from Sunset Valley Orchids, parents 'SVO' x 'Linda' AM/AOS.

My normal practice is to grow all of my Catasetinae in the greenhouse once nights get down to around 55 deg F (13 deg C) in the fall and move them outside once they are getting watered, and nights temps are back to that level. This year, the spring was so cool, most stayed in the GH long after I would normally have moved them out, including these. However, since I had two vigorous pieces of the alba form, I decided to experiment. I kept one piece outside all winter (sheltered from rain but not from cold). That one just sat there when the ones in the GH were leafing out and getting watered, and outdoor temperatures were plenty warm enough (some of the vigorous plants had already moved outside). I started to water that outdoor one around late May even though it showed no sign of either leaves or roots. And bingo, it started to grow. It's still a bit behind its siblings, but I think in another month or so it will catch up, One tough orchid.