The Long Awaited "Nun's Orchids"

[Bruno De Toni]

Jan, "Limão" can be a complex hybrid and not necessarily the result of pileatum crossing.

[kavanaru]

The Ctsm xtapiriceps I know from southern Apure looks more like Cts, pileatum, and are normally found in the area shared with this species, however, they are also going into "Ctsm. macrocarpum" area... I need to clarify here, that "Ctsm. xtapiriceps" that look so closed to Ctsm. macrocarpum (as the one proposed by Bruno), had never been identified by me as xtapiriceps so, I cannot say, whether they are abundant or not in one or other region...

[gixrj18]

Well, the Ctsm. integerrimum is just finishing it's fifth spike (back to back). The final spike only had four or five flowers, but the first four spikes were full (12-14 flowers). It is now becoming apparent to me that what I thought was spike #6 emerging from the base, actually appears to be another p-bulb. Aren't all Catasetums supposed to go a little dormant after blooming? Especially after blooming that much? Does this happen in anyone else's experience, or is this a freak occurence?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by gixrj18

Well, the Ctsm. integerrimum is just finishing it's fifth spike (back to back). The final spike only had four or five flowers, but the first four spikes were full (12-14 flowers). It is now becoming apparent to me that what I thought was spike #6 emerging from the base, actually appears to be another p-bulb. Aren't all Catasetums supposed to go a little dormant after blooming? Especially after blooming that much? Does this happen in anyone else's experience, or is this a freak occurence?

5 spikes and then another growth?? Thats one happy plant. What do you in terms of fertilizer and light regimine?

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by gixrj18

Well, the Ctsm. integerrimum is just finishing it's fifth spike (back to back). The final spike only had four or five flowers, but the first four spikes were full (12-14 flowers). It is now becoming apparent to me that what I thought was spike #6 emerging from the base, actually appears to be another p-bulb. Aren't all Catasetums supposed to go a little dormant after blooming? Especially after blooming that much? Does this happen in anyone else's experience, or is this a freak occurence?

Jasen, I do not know this one at all, but according to "The World Of Catasetum by Holst" this species has a very short dormancy period and a very strong vitality and growth. This would mean, that it is possible for this species could skip the dormancy period at all under the right conditions... I would let the plant grow, and water and fertilize accordingly. My

[gixrj18]

Originally Posted by isurus79

5 spikes and then another growth?? Thats one happy plant. What do you in terms of fertilizer and light regimine?

It gets medium to high light, and lots of fertilizer! During the summer, it gets 20-20-20, epsom salt, vitamin b complex, fish emulsions, a sea kelp supplement called "Liquid Seaweed", Cal-Mag Plus, and an occasional shot of humic acid....feeding twice a week, at about 1400ppm TDS. Now, during the winter, they get 10-30-20 (occasionally 0-30-20), K-L-N, molasses (occasionally sugar), Liquid Seaweed, Epsom salt, vitamin B complex, Cal-Mag Plus, and an occasional shot of humic acid....fed once a week at the same strength. Four times a year they get a little calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate. Feeding does not decrease during dormancy, they get what everyone else is getting.
Thanks for the info Kavanaru, I do believe that this is known as one of the biggest, most robust species in the Catasetum family.

[nancy]

Robust? Boy, is that an understatement! Sounds like an exceptional plant, even among this fabulous group.
Regards - Nancy