Quote:
Originally Posted by NYCorchidman
I want to replace my Monn. Millenium Magic with this one. I like the flower shape on this one much better. looks kind of like cascading cymbidium, yet much smaller plant size.
Does it have fragrance?
I guess it takes the typical catasetum care?
Can you share personal secrets regarding the culture?
Mainly, I would like to know how much light you give your plant during the growth phase, the care in the fall right before the bloom emerge, and during the rest period.
Thanks in advance!
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Fragrance: Yes, there is a distinct fragrance. I like the fragrance. It's not anything offensive.
Care/culture: I had the plant growing under 50% shade. During most of the year it received weekly fertilizing along with my other plants.
Special Handling: Through September the plant had very lush green leaves. It was on a bench mixed in with the other plants. In October I started to dry out the plant. I hung the plant under cover (still exposed to sunlight) and cut out all watering and fertilizing. The leaves started drying out and eventually fell off. In early November the flower spikes started to appear. I restarted watering (once per week) and watched the spikes grow, bud and eventually flower.
The plant is growing in New Zealand Sphagnum Moss. It went from a 2-inch clay pot when I received it 4-5 years ago to a 3-inch clay pot and then to a 4-inch plastic pot. The plant has not been divided since I got it. The plant has bloomed once before but with only one spike with fewer and smaller flowers.
I hope this is informative. Please remember that I am in Hawaii where we have tropical temperatures and sunshine almost all year round. We don't have freezing weather and snow. 60 degrees is considered pretty cold by many of us. I hesitate giving cultural tips because my conditions are so different from yours.