                          Catasetum & Relatives
                    Including Cycnoches and Mormodes

These unusual orchids offer fascinating, often waxy flowers that have the peculiar habit of
discharging their pollen masses (pollinia)onto pollinators. Almost always deciduous, the
pseudobulbous plants have strict growing and rest-mg periods.

LIGHT should be strong& specially near the end of the~growth period,  Early in the annual
growth cycle, plants will tolerate less light - from ~500 to 3,000 foot-candles. Plants grow
best with light levels of 3,000 to 6,000 foot-candles, or 1/4 to 3/4 full sun. As pseudobulbs
mature, harden them by giving slightly more light.

TEMPERATURE. These orchids are native to hot tropical areas and grow during rainy
summer months.  During this growing period, day temperatures of 80o to 100oF and night
temperatures of 60o to 65oF are beneficial. After growths mature, temperatures should be
reduced to 55oF at night with day temperatures of 70o to 85oF.

WATER is critical for producing large pseudobulbs and strong flowering. Since these plants
only grow for a short period, a great quantity of water must be stored by the plant. Water
heavily as new leaves are forming. After the pseudobulb is mature, gradually reduce
watering frequency. The leaves will yellow and start to fall. At this time watering should be
stopped completely until new growth begins again.  Water during this dormant period only
if the plant shrivels severely; overwatering may cause the pseudobulbs to rot and die.  

FERTILIZING is very important for producing strong pseudobulbs. Use a high-nitrogen
formulation (30-10-10) while plants are in active growth, slowly tapering-off as pseudobulbs
form.  Bloom booster formulation (10-30-20) should be used in the fall except for plants that
normally bloom in the spring.

POTTING is best timed to coincide with the start of new growth(s), usually in the spring.
New roots will be produced quickly at that time, and plants will not experience any setback.
These plants have vigorous root systems and like to have a rich and moist potting medium
during their growing months. Many growers remove the plants from the growing medium
during the resting period to ensure dryness during that time. Fine-grade orchid bark is
common for smaller pots; medium-grade bark is used only on large plants. Sphagnum
moss is used successfully for plants in many areas, as it provides tremendous water- and
fertilizer-holding capacities. Some plants may be grown on slabs of tree fern or other
material, which makes it easier to keep them dry during dormancy, however it is harder to
keep them moist while growing. When well grown, these orchids can be divided down to
one mature bulb and then bloom on the next mature growth.  Spider mites are a common
pest of these orchids when in leaf; control by keeping humidity high and/or spray with
recommended miticides.