Orchid genus catasetum (Catasetum) is represented by epiphytes. It unites approximately 150 plant species. They can be found in nature in South and Central America. Most often, such plants are found in Brazil.
This plant has a sympodial growth pattern. It has a shortened rhizome (creeping shoot), while it presses tightly to the ground, which is why young pseudobulbs grow almost closely pressed to the old ones. Clustered elongated oval pseudobulbs resemble wrinkled green cigars that have pointed ends. In species that are quite large in size, mature pseudobulbs reach 20 centimeters in height and 7 centimeters in diameter. Young pseudobulbs that are not yet 1 year old are leafy, while adults are completely naked. There are many vaginal leaves, usually from 3 to 7 pairs. The part located at the bottom of the sheet plate is film, and it acts as a wrapper. So, after the leaf dies and dries, this tissue remains on the surface of the pseudobulb, and it prevents the accumulated moisture from evaporating too quickly. Thin leathery leaves have a pointed oval shape with clearly visible longitudinal veins. They reach a length of 20 to 30 centimeters.
This genus of orchids stands out among others in that it has pronounced sexual dimorphism of flowers. Flowers that are male are larger in size (diameter from 10 to 12 centimeters), they are complex and richly colored, and there are much more of them on the peduncle. The female flowers are not as large and they have a relatively simple appearance. A large number of species have resupinated male florets (turned upside down), and a large lip, folded into a funnel or shaped like a bent cup, hangs over the flower. The fleshy petals (petals) and sepals (sepalia) are oval or lanceolate in shape. The elongated column has several stamens. All female flowers are “regular”; their lip has the shape of a helmet, while the column is not as long and thin as that of the male flower.
Caring for the catasetum orchid at home
Most types of such orchids are recommended to be grown in an orchidarium or greenhouse. And there are also species that are not able to grow in indoor conditions at all; if they find themselves in an unfamiliar environment, they die very quickly.
Temperature
Such a plant needs a warm temperature regime, and it is necessary to ensure a difference in daily temperatures. Thus, the catasetum will grow and develop normally at a daytime temperature of 29–32 degrees, and a nighttime temperature of 21–24 degrees.
If desired, this flower can be moved outside. He can stay there from mid-May to mid-September. A garden or balcony is perfect for this. In this case, the necessary difference in daily temperatures will be natural.
Illumination
The flower needs bright lighting throughout the year, but it must be diffused. Experienced gardeners recommend placing such an orchid under powerful phytolamps, thus replacing natural lighting with artificial lighting. Daylight hours should be 10 hours long.
Plants with leafy pseudobulbs, as well as those with blooming flowers, when kept outdoors, should be placed in places protected from direct sunlight. The fact is that burns may appear on flowers, as well as on delicate foliage. However, it should be noted that placing the catasetum in a too shaded place is not recommended.
Earth mixture
Blocks and pots are used for growing. To fill the pot, a substrate is used, consisting of pieces of coarse pine bark, a small amount of sphagnum and charcoal.
A large piece of pine bark is most often used as a block. The roots and rhizome of the plant are securely fixed on its surface, and they are first wrapped in a not very thick layer of moss.
How to water
It is worth remembering that the bark must dry thoroughly between waterings. It is recommended to water this flower not in the usual way, but by immersing a block or pot in a basin filled with water. You should wait until the bark and root system are saturated with liquid, and then remove the flower from the water. When excess liquid has drained, the catasetum should be returned to its usual place.
In order to stimulate flowering, orchidists with considerable experience advise giving the plant a “hot shower” along with watering, or immersing the flower completely under water, which should be preheated to 35 degrees.
Humidity
This plant reacts extremely negatively to low air humidity. The optimal humidity for this flower is 70–80 percent. In order to increase humidity to the required level, you need to use household humidifiers or steam generators. If the catasetum is grown in an orchidarium, then it should be remembered that stagnant damp air can cause fungal diseases. In this regard, systematic ventilation is recommended for prevention purposes.
Rest period
The dormant period for this orchid begins in mid-November. The fact is that at this time, a cool and dry period begins in the places where she comes from. The air temperature during this period should be from 18 to 20 degrees, while watering should be stopped completely, but the illumination should be left at the same level. If the pseudobulbs wrinkle very much, then to maintain them in a healthy state, you should systematically spray the substrate, but only lightly. Watering begins fully after young pseudobulbs appear, as well as the first roots.
If you abandon the dormant period, the plant will bloom very sparingly, and after a while the flowering may stop altogether.
Features of transplantation
Transplantation is carried out once a year. The fact is that during the dormant period, some roots of the catasetum die off, which not only contaminate the substrate, but also cause the appearance of various fungi and bacteria. It is necessary to replant at the beginning of the growing season, at a time when young pseudobulbs are actively growing new roots.
Fertilizer
Feed once a week. To do this, use a special complex fertilizer for orchids, and the dosage should be checked on the packaging. Fertilizer is usually dissolved in water for moistening from a sprayer or watering.
During the dormant period, the flower is not fertilized.
Reproduction methods
When grown indoors, catasetum can be propagated by dividing its rhizome, which should be overgrown, into parts. It should be remembered that each division must have at least 3 mature pseudobulbs.
In industrial conditions, this plant is propagated by seeds and meristem.
Pests and diseases
Spider mites often settle on young leaves. If such a pest is detected, the flower should be given a warm (about 45 degrees) shower, and the leaves should be thoroughly washed. If there is such a need, the procedure must be repeated.
If the catasetum is not provided with optimal conditions, it may stop flowering, the growth of new pseudobulbs, and in some cases it may even die.
How to care?
Humidity
For phalaenopsis, a humidity of 50-80% is considered ideal. A humidity of 25-85% is possible, but then the development of diseases, especially fungal ones, cannot be ruled out.
Temperature
A temperature of 28-30 degrees is ideal for flower propagation.
Indicators may rise above the norm, but not below.
The soil
You can prepare the nutrient substrate yourself using small pieces of pine bark - 0.5-1 cm, and also take the same amount of soil from the mother pot.
Watering
Watering phalaenopsis must be done regularly, avoiding standing water and drying out. To moisten the soil, use settled and warm water. Pour it strictly at the root.
Video review
The subtribe Catasetumaceae includes several genera, including many species and hybrids, including the luxurious black orchid Fredclarkeara, created by the famous American orchid breeder Fred Clark. Katasetum, as the most numerous of them, gave its name to the entire group.
Carrot orchids are popular among gardeners precisely because of their unusual nature, which is associated with a pronounced seasonality in their development. Bright colors, pleasant aroma, unusual flower shapes, completely different flowering on one plant, colorful pseudobulbs - all together create an incredible aura of exoticism and mystery around carrot orchids, attracting more and more people who want to place these wonderful orchids in their apartments.
Carrots have different structures, sizes and flower shapes, but the structural features of the entire plant are the same. The most distinctive feature is the shape of the pseudobulb, which resembles a spindle or a well-known root vegetable, although to the inhabitants of the American continent it looks like a pointed cigar.
Winter rest phase
By mid-November, the foliage of the catasetum droops, turns yellow and gradually falls off. This is a natural state for all catasetum orchids - a period of rest begins. Watering and fertilizing are completely stopped at this time. The nutrients and moisture accumulated in the pseudobulbs are enough for the plant to survive until spring and produce new growth.
Tip #1 . At the end of the growing season, after all the leaves have fallen, the pseudobulbs can be removed from the ground, freed from dead roots, put in a dry box and stored in this form (necessarily in the light!) until spring awakening.
For the winter, Catasetum carrot bulbs are freed from the substrate and placed for storage in a dry place.
Important! Winter holidays do not cancel out intense lighting. Regardless of the time of year, daylight should last at least 10-12 hours, so in autumn and winter Katasetum needs additional lighting.
Biological properties of carrot orchids
All representatives of the Catasetum group are epiphytic plants that live on the branches and trunks of trees of plains and plateaus in conditions ranging from tropical to temperate continental. They grow in height from 10 cm to 60–70 cm and belong to deciduous orchids with a clearly defined dormant period. Peduncles appear either in the spring immediately after rest, or in the summer or early autumn. In spring-flowering species, they are formed from a bud at the bottom of the pseudobulb, in summer- and autumn-flowering species - from the axil of leaves, bearing single flowers or inflorescences consisting of several dozen fragrant flowers from 2 to 20 cm in diameter. Their color palette is varied - from white to cherry-purple and even soft light green.
Most catasetums have developed so-called flower dimorphism, when on the same plant peduncles are formed with either male or female flowers, and sometimes both at the same time, or even bisexual. Some orchid growers with experience in growing catasetums manage to achieve the flowering of larger and brighter male flowers using simple care tricks, and if they are lucky, they simultaneously get peduncles with different colors on the same plant.
This is interesting
The catasetum orchid is seriously called the shooting orchid. As soon as a pollinating insect touches the special bristles inside the male flower, the plant immediately catapults the pollinia into a troublemaker. It also goes to those who decide to smell the wonderful aroma.
To understand how to care for carrot orchids at home, it is important to understand the cyclical nature of their development.
Description
Sympodial orchid. It has a shortened rhizome, which is pressed tightly to the ground, which is why young pseudobulbs grow almost closely pressed to the old ones.
Elongated oval pseudobulbs are similar to wrinkled green cigars that have pointed ends.
In species that are quite large in size, mature pseudobulbs reach 20 centimeters in height and 7 centimeters in diameter.
Young pseudobulbs that are not yet 1 year old are leafy , while adults are completely naked .
There are many vaginal leaves from 3 to 7 pairs. The part located at the bottom of the sheet plate is film. It acts as a wrapper.
After the leaf dies and dries, this tissue remains on the surface of the pseudobulb, and it does not allow the accumulated moisture to quickly evaporate.
Thin leathery leaves have a pointed oval shape with clearly visible longitudinal veins. They reach a length of 20 to 30 centimeters.
Catasetum flowers are distinguished by their brightness and variety of colors.
The flowering period ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months . They bloom alternately or simultaneously.
Life cycles of catasetum orchids
In early spring, catasetums begin the growing season, growing new roots on the pseudobulbs, since their old ones, as a rule, die off. However, watering after a dry dormant period begins only after new roots have reached at least 7.5–12.5 cm - this is what experienced foreign catasetum breeders advise.
Over the next 3–4 months, the carrot orchid actively develops new pseudobulbs and foliage, almost doubling in size. During this period, the plants are intensively watered and fertilized; with proper care, flower stalks are formed and blooms of amazing beauty.
The next cycle is preparation for the dormant period, which occurs at the end of autumn. At this time, the foliage of the carrots begins to turn yellow and fall off.
Advice! By mid-November, it is necessary to completely stop feeding catasetum orchids and reduce watering by half.
Finally, the dormant period in carrots is due to the completion of the formation of a new pseudobulb, as well as a short day length, cooler day and night temperatures, and the accumulation of moisture and nutrients in the pseudobulb. Many ochie growers remove the plants from the substrate and store them until spring in a dry box left in a cool room; some leave them in pots. Pseudobulbs are sprayed only once in case of severe wrinkling.
Advice! It is advisable to completely stop watering the carrot orchid before January 1st.
Should I trim the roots?
Before the onset of the dormant period, the leaves fall off and the roots on old pseudobulbs dry out. Some recommend trimming the roots completely before dormancy and hibernating the carrots completely without roots.
However, it has been noticed that new roots are starting to grow from the old roots of last year's pseudobulbs. Therefore, everyone can decide for themselves whether to prune or not.
Care and cultivation of catasetum group orchids
Orchid growers with experience in growing carrots claim that caring for them is not much different from the same phalaenopsis.
Planting carrots
Catasetum can be grown in both plastic and ceramic pots. In a transparent container, the condition of the roots and especially their length are better visible, which is important for determining the start of watering after a dormant period. They are often kept in hanging baskets or flower pots.
If the carrots were resting in a box, when buds appear at the base of the pseudobulbs, they are fixed vertically above the pot so that new roots penetrate the substrate and contribute to the stable position of the plant.
The mixture for growing catasetums is simple in composition. Usually they use pine bark, preferably pine, and sphagnum moss in equal quantities, and expanded clay as drainage. American orchid growers also offer the following substrate components: coconut chips - 3 parts and medium perlite - 1 part. It is advisable to plant small carrots in a pot filled 2/3 with New Zealand sphagnum moss, and 1/3 with polystyrene foam granules.
Placement in the house, lighting and temperature
Catasetums love a lot of light, so they are placed near large windows facing east or south, shading them from the scorching sun. Good air ventilation is extremely important; in summer, carrots are taken out into the fresh air, but protected from the sun and precipitation.
The temperature preferences of carrots depend on the type, mostly high - within 28-30 degrees in the summer, dropping to 21-24 degrees at night. In winter, during dormancy, the temperature should not fall below 18–20 degrees.
Interesting! The lighting of the catasetum determines what flowers will bloom on it: in moderate shade - male, in brighter light - female.
Watering and air humidity
Moisturizing carrots begins at the end of the rest period after the roots reach a certain length. Only bottom watering is allowed; you cannot pour water under the base of the pseudobulb - its bottom is extremely vulnerable to rot. Water should not get into the new growth; therefore, the required optimal air humidity of 70% is maintained by special devices or by placing vessels with water next to the orchid, but not by spraying.
The frequency of watering, depending on the microclimate, varies from 2 to 3 times a week. It is advisable to moisten by immersion, but not the entire pot, but about half or no more than 2/3 of its height.
Feeding
Fertilization of carrots begins with the resumption of watering. Use mineral fertilizers for orchids, add them to warm water prepared for immersion, alternate with clean water. Orchids also respond well to organic matter during the active growing season, when they form a new pseudobulb.
Propagation of carrots
Plants of the catasetum group are propagated by division of the rhizome. It is carried out with a sterile instrument until new growth and new roots begin to appear. Unlike other orchids, carrots develop well with two pseudobulbs, so plants containing 4–5 of them must be divided. If this is not done in time, the plant will draw out all reserves from the old pseudobulb, and it will die, and growth buds will awaken in the separated parts, and their roots will replenish the necessary reserves of nutrients.
Diseases and pests
The most dangerous thing for carrots is overwatering of any part of the plant, which can lead to the formation of putrefactive spots; the base of the pseudobulb is especially sensitive to overwatering.
Regarding insects, catasetums often suffer from invasions of spider mites and flat beetles. The former look yellowish or red-brown in appearance, and their larvae are greenish-yellow or reddish. The latter are distinguished by flat brick-red bodies separated by transverse seams with a mesh pattern, and the larvae are bright red. Experienced orchid growers advise novice carrot owners:
- weekly inspect the lower part of the leaves, where the silver web usually appears;
- effective protection against insects - a regular flea collar for cats, which is cut into pieces and attached directly to the pseudobulb;
- extensively affected areas are treated with acaricides that are less toxic for residential conditions - fitoverm, actofite, vermitek and others.
Photo from the Internet
Landing
Priming
A substrate consisting of a mixture of pine bark with charcoal and moss is suitable as a soil for planting after a dormant period
The soil should be loose for good aeration of the roots and rapid removal of moisture from the roots.
The soil must have good air and water permeability.
Capacity
The pot must be selected so that the plant feels comfortable during the growing season. It is better to take a larger size than the volume of the roots , because the plant will grow greatly over the summer.
Features of transplantation
Carrots must be replanted every year after the dormant phase . This is done to increase the volume of the pot, as well as to clean the root system of old roots.
After cleaning, the plant is placed in new soil, but not buried. A high planting will protect the tuber from rot. There is no need to fertilize immediately, since there are enough nutrients in the soil.
Genera of the catasetum group called carrots
Catasetum is a genus of approximately 80–120 species of epiphytic orchids with elongated oval pseudobulbs and leathery, elliptical-pointed leaves 20–30 cm long with distinct longitudinal veins. The main distinguishing feature of the plant is the pronounced sexual dimorphism of the flowers. Male flowers are larger and more beautiful than female flowers, appearing upside down - a cupped lip hangs over the fleshy petals. The female flowers are arranged “correctly”, with a helmet-shaped lip located below the petals. The color palette is different - from white to cherry-chocolate.
Catasetum
Clowesia (Clowesia) - consists of only 7 species, formerly included in the genus Catasetum. It is distinguished by small carrots 3–7 cm in size and numerous lush inflorescences on drooping peduncles, as well as relative resistance to rot in comparison with other plants of the catasetum group. The flowers are fragrant, ranging in color from snow-white to creamy-greenish, the petals are dotted with longitudinal narrow stripes of a darker tone.
Clowesia
Cycnoches - the flowers of this genus of orchids, which include up to 30 species, are often called the “swan orchid” due to their thin curved column. Peduncles are erect or curved, bearing inflorescences of 30 or more fragrant flowers. Like catasetum, male, female and bisexual flowers can bloom, and in some species all on the same plant.
Cycnoches
Mormodes - according to various sources, the genus consists of 70–80 species of epiphytic orchids that live in nature on the trunks of dying trees. The pseudobulbs of some species are gigantic - more than 70 cm, but there are also dwarf ones - no longer than 10 cm, in all species they are closely pressed to each other due to the short rhizome. The leaves are oval-pointed in a rich green hue. The peduncle does not grow from the top of the pseudobulb, but from its lower or middle part. Flowers come in a variety of colors - from pale yellow and orange to bright red and even greenish with all sorts of spotted and striped patterns. The shape of the flower resembles the profile of some fantastic creature, which is why mormodes is often called the “goblin orchid” by the people.
Mormodes
Dressleria - unlike other carrots, does not have a dormant period. The genus includes 10 species growing in humid forests at levels from 400 to 1500 m above sea level. Plants of this genus do not tolerate drying out. If they are grown in the same way as catasetums, they die. The peduncle appears from the base of the pseudobulb and bears a racemose inflorescence of 10–20 white or cream flowers.
Galeandra - includes 39 species native to South America, growing in Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil. Deciduous epiphyte from 40 to 75 cm tall. The leaves are lanceolate, the peduncle is curved, holding a racemose inflorescence of large (up to 6–10 cm in circumference) flowers with greenish-chocolate petals and sepals and a large lip, rolled into a tube and ending in an inverted ruffle. On the opposite side, the corolla tapers into a long spur. The lip is white with dark crimson longitudinal stripes, pink or purple. Blooms in summer.
Galeandra
Cyanaeorchis - includes 3 species of endemic epiphytes from Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
Grobya - consists of 5 species of epiphytes, endemic to the Brazilian plateaus, growing in tropical rainforests at altitudes from 2500 to 4500 m above sea level. Inflorescences on curved peduncles develop up to 20 or more spotted greenish-yellow flowers, smelling of honey, with a characteristic “hood”.
Grobya
External characteristics
The genera that are included in this group are: Mormodes, Cycnoches, Clovesia, Dressleria and, in fact, Catasetum. They are united by the structure of plants. The colors of the buds can be varied: from white to dark burgundy.
Catasetums
The flowers of this plant have a pleasant smell and unusual appearance.
This orchid has beautiful flowers with original colors. The plant has a pleasant smell. The growth characteristics of flowers are such that they are collected in garlands.
The smell changes significantly throughout the day:
- in the morning there are notes reminiscent of turpentine;
- at the end of the day the plant smells of rye bread.
These flowers are characterized by sexual dimorphism. Catasetums are one of the shooting species.
Clovesia
Typically, gardeners rarely use plants belonging to this genus. As a rule, hybrid varieties are used. This genus is characterized by high resistance to rot. Different species have smells of camphor or cinnamon.
Cycnohis
Flowers of this genus have such a feature as the formation of garlands. The curved column is similar in outline to a swan's neck. These plants exhibit sexual dimorphism.
They are unpretentious when grown in apartments. They love plenty of sunlight and warmth. Such plants may have a jasmine scent or smell of ripe fruit.
Mormodes
This genus is represented by only one hybrid variety with beautiful black flowers. The characteristic odor of these plants includes notes of herbs and spices.
The flower has an unusual shape. Because of it, it received another name: “goblin orchid.”
Dressleria
This orchid grows high in the mountains. Its peculiarity is the absence of a hibernation period. Dressleria is contraindicated in high temperatures.
Male and female flowers
The flower inflorescence consists of very fleshy buds. Unlike most other Orchids, these plants produce unisexual flowers , and they are located on different plants. The male flower is brightly colored, while the female flower is less noticeable and has yellowish-green hues.
Beautiful colorful flower buds
The conditions in which you grow this Orchid will determine what flowers will appear on the plant. Catasetum growing in intermediate conditions can produce both male and female flowers, but this is very rare. In this case, the buds will differ not only in size, but also in color! Such a plant can easily be confused with other species: even Orchid experts initially classified Katasetum as a different species.
Interesting fact
After the insect touches the bristles of the male bud, the flower shoots a pollinium at it . The same thing happens when you try to smell the aroma of a plant closer.
Creating an appropriate microclimate
The best place for Katasetum to grow is in windows with eastern and southeastern exposure. On the south side the plant should be slightly shaded from direct sunlight, and on the north side it should be illuminated with a phytolamp.
To ensure the necessary humidity, it is advisable to use a steam generator or a household humidifier. Katasetum does not tolerate drying out; it must be watered at least twice a week using the submersible method, until the substrate is completely saturated with moisture.
Catasetum is a very heat-loving plant that requires compliance with the temperature regime with a pronounced difference between day and night temperatures.
To feed Katasetum, use mineral fertilizers specially designed for orchids, dissolving them in water for irrigation according to the instructions.
During the period of intensive growth of the orchid, you can apply fertilizers with a high nitrogen content. For example, the N-P-K content is 30-10-10, respectively. But after the pseudobulbs are fully formed, the frequency and volume of fertilizing should be reduced. At this time, to maintain flowering, it is better to use a fertilizer with a ratio of nutrients in favor of phosphorus and potassium, say 10-30-20.
Doctor of Biological Sciences, TV presenter Oktyabrina Ganichkina.
Watering
Watering is an integral part of caring for any Orchid, but in our case the degree of development of the pseudobulbs will depend on it. During the relatively short growing season, the flower must retain a sufficient amount of moisture. While new leaves are growing, it is necessary to water Katasetum well . But after the pseudobulbs ripen, the frequency of watering should be reduced.
Once the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off, you need to stop watering until new growth appears. But if the pseudobulbs begin to dry out and wrinkle too much , you can give them a little moisture.
Vegetative propagation
Speaking about the care and propagation of orchids, it should also be noted that this crop can be propagated vegetatively. This method is suitable for any variety of this crop. To do this, the roots of the plant simply need to be divided into several parts, which must have pseudobulbs. This method is suitable for propagating only large specimens.
First of all, the flower must be removed from the pot, the roots must be carefully separated from the earthen lump. Cut the rhizomes into several equal parts, which should have several bulbs. The cut areas must be sprinkled with charcoal or crushed activated carbon. Each fragment is planted separately. New specimens are lightly watered. They are also sprayed daily until the plants form new shoots and leaves. This is proof that the flower has taken root.
Top dressing
In order for the flower to grow healthy and have strong pseudobulbs, it is necessary to add nutrients . During the growing season, you can use a high nitrogen fertilizer (such as 30-10-10). But after the pseudobulbs have formed, you need to reduce the frequency of fertilizing.
This is what a flower baby looks like
A fertilizer that supports flowering (such as 10-30-20) can be used in the fall or spring (depending on when your Orchid usually blooms). Don't forget, it's best to regularly feed the flower using a weak fertilizer solution.
Content requirements
Proper care of casetum orchids involves creating appropriate conditions taking into account the biological cycles of the plant:
- Early spring - the beginning of the growing season, activation of growth buds.
- Until mid-summer - the growth of green mass and the formation of new roots.
- Until late autumn - the formation of peduncles and flowering.
- November – withering and dropping of leaves.
- December-March is the resting phase.
Katasetum is a fastidious plant, for healthy growth and regular flowering of which it is necessary to create the appropriate conditions:
- compliance with the temperature regime depending on the growing season;
- Constantly maintaining air humidity at least 70%;
- regular abundant watering;
- intense lighting;
- timely feeding;
- obligatory winter rest.
Possible disturbances in the functioning of Katasetum due to errors in care:
Substrate
The composition of the soil for planting Katasetum depends on the size of the pot. Small pots use a fine substrate, while large pots use medium potting mixes. Many enthusiasts who grow these Orchids at home use sphagnum moss.
But some species of Catasetum grow best on a piece of wood or a slab of cork, just as they grow in the wild. These flowers will require more frequent watering.
We recommend watching a short video about caring for the Katasetum Orchid:
Fruit
Orchid fruits are seed pods . Each box contains more than 5 million very small cream seeds. The seeds look like dust.
In nature, seeds are carried by the wind. Sitting on the bark of trees, they germinate. Only a small part of the seeds manage to germinate .
Answers on questions
Question No. 1. Should I stop watering Katasetum in winter if the shoots and bulbs continue to grow and the leaves remain green?
If the plant does not enter the dormant stage on its own, winter rest is forcibly organized for it. To do this, watering is gradually reduced in November, and stopped completely in December. In the absence of moisture, the leaves will gradually droop, begin to turn yellow and fall off. If you refuse the dormant period, the flowering will be sparse, and subsequently stop altogether.
Soil preparation
To fill the pot, take a special ready-made substrate for orchids or prepare a soil mixture from the following ingredients:
- pieces of coarse pine bark;
- sphagnum moss;
- coconut chips;
- charcoal;
- dry tree leaves.
All ingredients for preparing the substrate are thoroughly washed and dried in the oven.
Flower growers who have sufficient experience in growing orchids grow Katasetum not only in pots, but also in so-called blocks. Take a suitable solid piece of bark, wrapped in moss, on which the roots and rhizome are fixed. The roots are covered with another layer of moss.
