Basic Mormodia/Catasetum Bloom Question

[bethmarie]

I've got my first Catasetum type-- I just looked and it's actually a Mormodia hybrid crossed with a Cycnoches species.

Does this type bloom and then lose leaves, or lose leaves and then bloom?
Mine is busy shedding leaves, and I'm wondering if that means it won't bloom this go round.

Thanks!

[AvantGardner]

Judging by the pictures I've seen Cyclodes usually bloom on leafless bulbs. Whether the spikes start beforehand or not is another story. How large is the plant? Do you have a picture?

[bethmarie]

The Phal on the right side is about 7" tall, for scale.
Thanks, Avant Gardner!

[estación seca]

I don't know whether your realize it - your plant either has, or had, spider mites. I can see the damage on the leaves. If you didn't realize this before, better treat ASAP, because mites can kill these in a few days.

You can go to the Sunset Valley Orchids Web site and read the plant descriptions in the Catasetinae listing. Fred Clarke tucks information about how different kinds of hybrids grow and bloom in the individual descriptions.

[AvantGardner]

Yes, ES is right. The plant did not grow to its full potential because of the infestation most likely. I doubt it will bloom this year judging by size and stress

I get mites from time to time as well, I douse with a systemic (Orthene) and then spray Neem oil as a preventative.

[bil]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I don't know whether your realize it - your plant either has, or had, spider mites.

Well spotted. I hate mites.

---------- Post added at 11:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:33 AM ----------

Originally Posted by AvantGardner

Yes, ES is right. The plant did not grow to its full potential because of the infestation most likely. I doubt it will bloom this year judging by size and stress

I get mites from time to time as well, I douse with a systemic (Orthene) and then spray Neem oil as a preventative.

I just stick to a damn goood miticide, and spray every month or two. The damage that they can do is horrendous.

[bethmarie]

Guys, no spider mites. Dunno what made the leaves look that way, but I've had mite infestations and am paranoid about them. No mites on this guy. No other plants showing signs of mite damage either, which would surely be the case with an infestation of that magnitude.

[isurus79]

My first thought when looking at that photo was spider mites as well. Maybe it had an infestation before you got it?