I have a Catasetum that has a bump on three of this year's new growth and wondering what it was. It's on the side near the base of the new growth. And what regulates the Catasetum to produce male or female flowers and which gender flowers are typically more attractive?
Young plants in low light will usually produce male flowers (which are typically more attractive) and large, mature plants will sometimes do the same, though they will often throw female flowers no matter what the light is.
Your question: which gender flowers are typically more attractive?
Male flowers in my opinion. They also allow to specify the species.
Your question: Can Catasetums produce two growth cycles in one year?
In rare cases yes. I have one Ctsm. expansum that regularly starts next growth 2 months after the first, then finishes both.