Catasetum
catasetum macrocarpum
Also known as: ["Catasetum macrocarpum"]
Overview
A species of orchid native to South America, known for its unique male and female flowers and large seed pods.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Catasetum |
| Botanical Name: | Catasetum macrocarpum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with excellent air circulation, or shaded outdoor area in tropical climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C during active growth, 10–18°C during dormancy"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days during active growth, especially in dry climates, rarely during dormancy
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Fine-grade orchid bark mix with perlite, charcoal, and a small amount of sphagnum moss for moisture retention.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: high
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when dead pseudobulbs are observed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially during dormancy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to brighter light to prevent scorching; provide shade during peak summer heat; adjust light exposure based on growth phase (more light during active growth, less during dormancy).
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingmoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light with some morning sun
Use sheer curtains to filter intense light; rotate the plant weekly for even light exposure; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to monthly during dormancy
Water thoroughly but allow the medium to dry slightly between waterings during growth; drastically reduce watering during dormancy to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure medium is well-aerated; avoid compacted soil; replace medium every 2–3 years to maintain structure.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (70–85°F or 21–29°C) during active growth; can tolerate cooler temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) during dormancy but avoid freezing conditions.
Maintain warm conditions during growth; allow cooler temperatures at night during dormancy; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth with balanced orchid fertilizer, none during dormancy
Flush the pot periodically to prevent salt buildup; adjust fertilizer strength based on the plant's growth phase; use a fertilizer with higher nitrogen content during pseudobulb development.
Propagation
Methods
Division of pseudobulbs during repotting; ensure each division has at least 3–4 pseudobulbs for best results.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully remove the plant from the pot.
- Divide the pseudobulbs, ensuring each division has healthy roots and pseudobulbs.
- Pot each division in fresh medium.
- Water lightly and maintain high humidity.
Best Time: After flowering, when the plant is entering or has just completed its active growth phase, typically in late spring or early summer.
Environment
Warm, humid environment (70–80°F or 21–27°C) with bright indirect light and high humidity (60–70%).
Medium
Fine-grade orchid bark mix with perlite and charcoal for good aeration and drainage.
Hormone
Not typically required but can be used to encourage root development on cut surfaces.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth can take several months after rooting.
Tools Needed
Clean pruning shears, sterilized pot, orchid mix, rooting hormone (optional), humidity dome or plastic bag.
Quick Tips
Ensure divisions are well-rooted before separating; maintain consistent humidity to prevent drying out; avoid overwatering new divisions.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut dead pseudobulbs at the base with clean, sharp shears; remove spent flower spikes just above the pseudobulb.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning is required; focus on removing dead or decaying pseudobulbs and spent flower spikes to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Tools
Sterilized pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Identify dead or decaying pseudobulbs; use clean tools; cut at the base; dispose of removed parts; monitor for signs of disease.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late spring or early summer, just before or as new growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant gently, remove old medium, inspect roots, trim any dead or rotting roots, repot in fresh orchid mix with good drainage, and ensure the plant is at the same depth as before.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the medium breaks down and drainage is compromised; essential for maintaining plant health and vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh orchid mix; remove old medium gently; inspect and trim roots; position plant correctly; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check medium moisture before watering; water thoroughly during growth; reduce watering post-flowering; ensure proper drainage; use appropriate water temperature.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly onto the potting medium, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the plant; avoid wetting the leaves or pseudobulbs to prevent fungal issues; ensure excess water drains freely from the pot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water heavily during active growth (spring/summer) when the pseudobulbs are developing, reducing frequency significantly after flowering and during dormancy (fall/winter) to encourage leaf drop and rest period.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate sphagnum moss for moisture retention; use charcoal to absorb impurities.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, bud abortion, or failure to initiate dormancy if temperatures are not managed correctly.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, slow growth, and prevent the plant from entering dormancy properly, leading to weak flowering the next season.
Solution: Provide adequate warmth during active growth; move the plant to a cooler location (but above freezing) during dormancy; avoid placing near drafty windows or cold surfaces.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering if not accompanied by adequate humidity and water.
Solution: Increase humidity levels, provide shade during peak heat, and ensure consistent watering to prevent heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced orchid fertilizer; dilute to half-strength; fertilize every 2–4 weeks during growth; stop during dormancy; flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) at half-strength every 2–4 weeks during active growth; cease fertilization during dormancy to avoid encouraging growth when the plant should be resting.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCatasetum macrocarpum is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant poses no known health risks if ingested or handled by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicCatasetum macrocarpum is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant poses no known health risks if ingested or handled by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicCatasetum macrocarpum is not known to exhibit any toxic properties to humans. The plant is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Catasetum macrocarpum?
A: Water thoroughly when the potting medium is nearly dry, but reduce watering during the dormant season.
Q: Does Catasetum macrocarpum require special lighting?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to other orchids.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Catasetum turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or natural shedding during dormancy.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | bright, indirect light with so |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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