Smaller versions of Catasatinae?

[Paul Mc]

After having seen several Catasatinae's, and going to Sunset Valley Orchids website, I'm in love.

However, space is limited.

So, I'm wondering if there are any small/miniature versions of these wonderful orchids. If there is, then my magic word would be "SOLD!" LOL...

[Merlyn]

The only one I'm aware of is Cycnoches barthiorum. That's from my own experience I bought one that was approx 6-8" tall and in BLOOM !!! I don't know if they get bigger but mine is only 14" now to the tip of the tallest leaf and I've had it for 2 years. I DO have 3 Catasetum tenebrosums that are 8 - 10" tall after 3 years from bare bulbs but they haven't bloomed for me yet.

Don't forget that most of them are deciduous so you only have to put up with their sometimes VERY large leaves for 9 - 10 months a year !!!

HTH,

[catasetum-ian]

Hi, Paul Mc
why don't you try on catasetum denticulatum, so far they are the smallest in my collection and not to mention the wonderful flower.

cheers

[Paul Mc]

Catasetum-ian, isn't that one difficult to grow? That seems to be the concensus from what I've read about.

Also, while they still lose leaves, don't they still need light or are they more like caladium bulbs where you can just store them away in a dark corner somewhere?

Merlyn, I'll have to check those out as well!

[Merlyn]

They don't need light when the leaves drop, Paul. That's exactly what most people do, myself included, just stick them away in a corner !!!

[Lars Kurth]

Also Clowesia are smaller and very nice.

[catasetum-ian]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

Catasetum-ian, isn't that one difficult to grow? That seems to be the concensus from what I've read about.

Also, while they still lose leaves, don't they still need light or are they more like caladium bulbs where you can just store them away in a dark corner somewhere?

Merlyn, I'll have to check those out as well!

that is what is initially was told about the denticulatum, i got mine two months back (not in the best condition i would say, loosely seated in sphag with three roots left but it was in spike though) i repotted it and now its setting out the second spike.
i won't be the most qualified person to comment that it is easy to grow but i would encourage you to try it (i culture mine in 100% charcoal)
i just store all my dormant bulbs in bright area but away from direct sunlight.

Originally Posted by Lars Kurth

Also Clowesia are smaller and very nice.

DITTO. especially if you are a clowesia fan Paul Mc.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by catasetum-ian

that is what is initially was told about the denticulatum, i got mine two months back (not in the best condition i would say, loosely seated in sphag with three roots left but it was in spike though) i repotted it and now its setting out the second spike.
i won't be the most qualified person to comment that it is easy to grow but i would encourage you to try it (i culture mine in 100% charcoal)
i just store all my dormant bulbs in bright area but away from direct sunlight.

I have to say, catasetum ian is the only person I've ever heard who can keep denticulatum alive!!! I would skip that one until you have kept some other species alive.

The most common small plants that are easy to keep are the Clowesia species and hybrids. Clowesia Rebecca Northen is probably the most famous. It's stunning to look at and even better to smell and is pretty darn small. Clowesia tends to bring down the size of its hybrids. Cycnoches barthiorum and cooperi are smaller species as well, though they can get a bit tall but don't take up much horizontal room. Cycnoches Gene E. Monnier is a hybrid between the two and is very easy to maintain and find. Good luck!

[Merlyn]

Cycnoches Gene E. Monnier is a hybrid between the two and is very easy to maintain and find. Good luck!

Steve, The correct name is Cyc. Jean E. Monnier ! Gene is the breeder and he named it after his wife, Jean. And I just won an AM/AOS on his cross and named it after my grandniece, Cyc. Jean E. Monnier 'Myia' AM/AOS (83 & 85 pts, both my awards), just got the bill for the new one today !
.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Merlyn

Steve, The correct name is Cyc. Jean E. Monnier !

Ha!! I knew it looked strange the way I spelled it!! lol I actually met both Monnier's at their new place in Hawaii when I still lived there. When I called to set up the meeting, Mrs. Monnier answered and I asked for "Gene." She asked which one!! Needless to say, I was not prepared for that question!

Originally Posted by Merlyn

And I just won an AM/AOS on his cross and named it after my grandniece, Cyc. Jean E. Monnier 'Myia' AM/AOS (83 & 85 pts, both my awards), just got the bill for the new one today !
.

Congrats on the awards!! Its never easy to get them.