CATASETUMS - I BROKE THE RULES & MYTH

Don't allow culture information to completely dictate your decision in what type of orchids or grow methods you choose. Some things you must discover for yourself.

[@annmorris6618]

I have a catasetum black pearl. Ive only had it about 2 months and its growing like crazy. Hopefully it will bloom, but when it gets a flower spike, do you water or not?. the way I understand it is, that the leaves will turn yellow and fall off , then you stop watering, and it will put out a spike?

[@PictureMaria1]

It actually depends on the catasetum type. The rule of thumb is if the leaves are green and healthy then you can continue to water...but when you start seeing the leaves turn yellow and they begin to drop, that is the sign that it is going into dormancy and at that time you can stop watering. There are some types that will throw off their spike after it loses all of its leaves...but majority of people don't continue to water once the leaves fall off. The bulb has enough energy to produce and sustain the flowers. Some catasetums never go into dormancy and there are some growers that actually force into dormancy. There are also some people that never stop watering their catasetums and they do well with that as well. Although some people believe if it is not allowed a rest period that the the flowering process could be effected. So it really is up to you on how you want to grow your catasetum. I hope this helps.

[@marissamaharaj304]

hey maria about that mounted catasetum, what type of wood is that, it looks like a frame, ive seen them at Walmart and craft stores, how has it been doing??

[@PictureMaria1]

Yes it is a plaque that you can find in the Arts & Crafts department of almost any store...and it is still mounted and growing well...although I will have to say I want to remount it on a piece of drift wood where it can really fit into the groove of it and allow it better root attachment. I have already started mounting some of my catasetums onto drift wood and plan on having a community of them on one piece. Should be spectacular if it turns out the way I have it pictured in my mind. LOL! Wish me luck!

[@eddmorchids6605]

The culture information that we normally get is a good orientation, but I never believed in schedules or minimum root lengths. I am more to look on the natural environment. And then you have to take into account that there are species, that don't face a real drought (like Ctsm. incurvum) - forcing them into dormancy is also not in my vocabulary.

[@PictureMaria1]

I completely agree with you...culture is always very useful to use as a guide...but I believe, should not be used as a concrete way of growing them if you are having certain issues. We always have to take into consideration of the type of grower we are, lifestyle and growing conditions....and find a happy medium. If I had only went by what the culture requirements were for many of my orchids I would not be collecting certain types today....but because I am an orchid grower that uses my intuition along with creativity and knowledge of the orchid, I have been successful in accommodating many of them that I would not normally do so well with....again if there is a will there is a way! HAPPY GROWING!

[@ResQuetzal]

You'd think that catasetum types would do well in Florida. I had 3 types and most were easy to bloom in Canada. Certainly I didn't even know about the recommendation that you shouldn't water the new growth until they are 3 inches long. I would just start to water a bit at a time, more as the growth got bigger. I didn't know that they were fertilizer hogs but of course that makes sense. Even with that, they flowered without fail for me, never more than 1 spike each year. Basically they would flower in the fall and I'd continue to water until the first yellowing of the leaf. Usually by the end of December, all were dormant and safe for a a quick spray once a month to keep the bulbs from shrivelling, I ignored them until mid February. That's when the growths appeared on their own, and the cycle would begin again. I sadly lost these lovely catasetum types to a mite infestation. I had no idea what I was dealing with at the time and so I trashed all 3 catasetum types. Had I known about the 2% baby oil treatment, I would have kept them. Live and learn. I love your tenacity to grow catasetum types. Except for the last one that got sunburned, they all look great. Good luck with these orchids.

[@PictureMaria1]

ResQuetzal Hey there and thanks for sharing your experience. One thing though, I never did say that they didn't grow well here in Florida...as a matter of fact that do exceedingly well with our tropical temperatures...I only had a problem with not being able to water them, which I know was more mental for me than anything else...I just didn't like not being able to...so I broke the rules and did it anyways. The reason why it is stated that we should not water during dormancy is because during the colder months of winter, in its natural habitat it doesn't hardly rain, therefore they have drier conditions during that time....but we shouldn't forget that even in their drier condition, there is still natural moisture and mist in the air so in actual reality there is never a time where water/moisture is ever completely eliminated in its natural habitat...so if you want to continue watering, just as long as you don't over do it, it can still grow as normal as you and I have proven. I think some growers get too worked up on the rules and give little reverence to how they really grow in nature. Thanks for joining me on my adventures and stay tuned for more! :)

[@libbyslittlegarden9514]

GO MARIA!!! You Coliseum grower you!!🌸😁😁

[@kelleyireland3108]

I just watched this video as my first one seeing you. Your energy is contagious! I loved your video and Cat. info!

[@PictureMaria1]

Thanks so much Kelley Ireland! I must admit I am not your average grower, but I do like to have fun and I am very passionate at what I do. I am hoping all is well with you and wishing you the absolute best in your orchid adventures! HAPPY GROWING MY DEAR! :)

[@GoldenArrow297]

Your Catasetum are doing great like your gorgeous curly hair.

[@PictureMaria1]

Awwwwww thanks so much for watching and HAPPY GROWING!

[@diannh2894]

That's so funny because in New Jersey when I was visiting my mom, we went to Waldorf orchids, and she was busy looking at the blooming ones lol, and here I am staring and saying omfg look at those beautiful fn roots!!! Hahhaahaha

[@patriciaenglish1113]

You are always so encouraging! Love your little pep talks.

[@PictureMaria1]

Patricia English Awwwwwww....indeed this is a hobby that many of us find healing and therapeutic...and because it takes up such a wonderful space in our lives we should always look towards the positives and the benefits they give us...for as we nurture them...they too nurture our souls...so let us allow them to continue to inspire us to live out our lives so beautifully!!! CHEERS, AND HAPPY GROWING! :)

[@augustin97410]

hello I live very far from you and I am looking for a farm that can export bulbs of catasetum in Reunion island , can you helpme please ? thanks

[@epenesajennings4725]

Thinking about the environment of Catasetums you have a point. Imagine them on a tree in their environment???

[@LGW3-Orchids-Exotics]

Hi Maria, I was curious as to what type of plant that 6-8 (green with yellow leaf outline; upper-left beginning of video) is?

[@PictureMaria1]

...That is my variegated cassava bush...she is a wonderful and beautiful addition to my garden...not to mention grows a nice potato like vegetable as well. :)

[@airinneerut3268]

Oh, i'm struggling this year with my catasetum type orchids. Cyc. Jumbo Puff had such a good and long roots (about 20cm) but when they got little sprinkle of water, they all stopped growing and turned brown. We'll see what they'll do in this summer, hope they don't die. :) Happy growing, Maria :)

[@PictureMaria1]

I am so sorry to hear...and is this the same one that you had a problem with before? Perhaps this one in particular is just a very particular and picked Cyc. I am finger crossing that it bounces back without a problem. HAPPY GROWING DEAR FRIEND AND THANKS FOR VISITING! I am hoping all is well and wishing you the absolute best!

[@Fabyta67]

Great job Maria. Your Catasetuns look fantastic.

[@PictureMaria1]

Thanks so much...I am relieved that I have found a way that I can still grow them without any guilt that I am torturing them...I am so glad I found a happy medium for me and the catasetum types. It allows me to enjoy growing them more. :)

[@karmajeffers3194]

Thank you for this video my husband loves this type of orchids but we are challenged because we try to follow the strict instruction. This week my husband made up his mind to deviate because our bulbs are shriveling and we have lost a few so l am grateful for your video and we will try your way

[@PictureMaria1]

I have found that sometimes we overly worry about the instructions and forget our natural plant loving instincts that as plant lovers, I believe we naturally have. A lot of the discoveries I have made were found because of my instincts and my courage to explore...and grow outside of the pot, if you will....sometimes you gotta do your own thing in order for you to find true success. I am glad that your husband took the plunge...sink or swim...and with no regrets! YOU NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU TRY...HAPPY GROWING! :)

[@toddstropicals]

I've never grown a catasetum before, so yeah I'd probably kill it LOL. But I have been looking into a few stanhopeas however which I think I'll do well with, but who knows maybe I'll chance it and get a catasetum or 2 ya never know till you try. Thanks for sharing! T.

[@SHARONSHORTOrchidsandGarden]

I am not shame to say that I got totally frustrated with my FDK after dark and threw it in the garden early spring...last I looked, there were or maybe one root tip, but the leaves were still green...All I can say is, it's not dead yet!😥 Thanks for sharing and happy growing.

[@Susana1024]

I knew all the rules and still failed on many of these. I killed so many that I shouldn't be allowed to have any at all. But, I do have that survived...so far....Two of them are in spikes, too. Go figure. Yours look great btw.

[@PictureMaria1]

Susana1024 REALLY!!! OH NO!!! How did you grow them (conditions and media) and what happened to them? ...last year I followed the rules because I was so scared I'd rot them...and this year I decided to grow them how I felt they could grow without any guilt...and I'm glad I did because I was actually going to give up on collecting them if I had to continue with all the crazy rules...LOL!

[@Susana1024]

I followed the rules to a "T". Grew them in Sphagnum and they had their winter rest. Sprayed them with water when they looked really dehydrated. When it was time to wake up, I potted them up and slowly introduced them to light and waited for growth...no growth...they started to die and get all brown and mushy. I'm taking a step back and take a closer look at what's happening this year since I have five left. But, I love your rule of no rules!!

[@geraldinecorbel6278]

Thanks again Maria! I look forward to seeing what is currently in bloom in your magnificent garden! in June!

[@PictureMaria1]

Thank you for visiting and joining me on this catasetum adventure....and yes many things in bloom but the rains are causing so much mess in my garden...I am hoping to get footage soon before the weather damages more blooms....stay tuned for more...HAPPY GROWING!

[@CalebCornwell]

They are looking very happy, can't wait to see some blooms. Thanks for sharing and happy growing.😊Love ya Big Orchid Sis.😘

[@angelastringer5948]

How often are you actually watering?

[@lyndamodeste7902]

Who say you can't water catasetinae orchids. I left mines out in the rain and it's doing fine fine.

[@PictureMaria1]

RIGHT! ...you just got to find what works for you that's all. I'm glad that they are doing well for you! HAPPY GROWING AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

[@sandral9401]

Great video! In nature these orchids get rain every once in a while anyway so I don't think we should be so strict with them. I definitely wasn't watering enough this year. Something else is people saying it's near impossible to overfertilize them. I'm convinced I did and I almost killed my small connection. They started aborting their roots and although water was being absorbed it wasn't being transported back to the plant. I'm not sure if my Cycnodes Wine Delight will survive, I'm hoping it will produce a new growth because the one it was growing died from a strange rotting even though I wasn't watering enough but the old growths are so shrivelled 😩. I think the other catasetums are saved, excess fertiliser removed and roots recovering but lesson learnt!

[@marcopaganelli6059]

awe Maria you made me smile so much at the beginning of this video thinking how similar we are regarding watering and root tips, i am really doing my best for the winter rest kind of orchids, but sometimes i love to give them a spray with water and just a little fert... am not able to be that sever like nature can be with my babies... love you a tons hugs marco

[@DavidRodriguez-jt1ns]

I love your videos, you are one of the people who inspired me to start growing orchids and push the normal boundaries of growing them, your Catasetums look great and gave me an idea about unconventional growing, excellent work as always.

[@karendennis8749]

Beautiful Beautiful!! I want to try a catasetum.......but have not bought one yet. Thank you for all of your knowledge that you share.

[@soniacristinadutragoncalve609]

Lindosssss 🤩 amuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[@Blade-od6ey]

Hola Maria tengo una catasetum pregunto tengo una tela que es 50% sol y 50 agua la puedo poner en ese lugar

[@PictureMaria1]

I am so sorry I was unable to understand your message. Thanks for watching.

[@ivygeerman3982]

Didn't have that type orchid, I love to have some to take care,,,,,happy growing

[@Kokoro-Hime]

Thanks for this video, Maria! I've been wondering about the watering when the new growth starts. I have a Millennium Magic for which I waited to water until the roots looked a bit longer. However, I recently got a Wine Delight early Spring, and she has not lost all her leaves and has a new growth with still tiny roots. The pot the Wine Delight was in was wet/ moist, which is obvious that the nursery has been watering. So, I asked the nursery master grower about the 'rules' of dormancy and watering. He answered, "nature doesn't read those instruction manuals." The new growth continued to grow its roots as I continue watering. I'm watering my pileatum now despite the new roots being tiny. I'm seeing the old roots developing new tips and branching. I also increased Cal-Mag (watched a Rick L. video on his take on Catasetum) 😉 You're definitely on point! Happy Growing!

[@rigobertoatencio8505]

Rick L. Video???? Can you tell youtube name.

[@ChannelOrchids]

beautiful garden orchids

[@PictureMaria1]

Thank you for joining me on this adventure...I am hoping you will visit often!!! HAPPY GROWING!

[@ChannelOrchids]

yes, I will visit often

[@PictureMaria1]

Orchids Channel YAAAAAAAAAAY! :)

[@brynyzzbeltran1338]

Hi maria 🙂 thanks for the new video 🙂🌺

[@virginiamadriz6793]

Hola María , gracias desde Costa Rica

[@PictureMaria1]

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING! HAPPY GROWING!

[@ruthvidal1712]

i want one!🙆

[@PictureMaria1]

YES YOU NEED TO TRY ONE AND SEE IF YOU LIKE THEM! I hope you get that chance...it is a wonderful orchid to have. HAPPY GROWING!

[@diannebozakis5570]

Very interestin

[@PictureMaria1]

Thank your for watching! ...and HAPPY GROWING! :)

[@YouDontGetToSeeMyEmail]

I think the only reason it's suggested that we cut out catasetums water is because if you keep them wet they'll think it's still the growing season. Mine stay moist year round because of the rain and humidity but I don't fully water them until the start of spring or new growth.

[@PictureMaria1]

...not quite sure if that is the reason...for although I continued to water mine...it did not continue to grow. It still remained in dormancy. There were no noticeable new growth or root growth... the only difference was that the bulbs did stay more plump. The new growths and roots still only emerged on schedule in the spring. The reason it is stated to discontinue watering during the winter season is because in its normal environment there is less or no rain in the winter...so they are trying to emulate those conditions for the orchid....but what they forget to mention is that even in the wild when there is no rain...there is still a lot of moisture and mist in the air...so there really is no time that they are completely left dry in their natural habitat....and with this information we have to find a happy medium on how we want to grow our orchids and what works for you. I'm glad to hear that you have found the best way to grow your orchids for you...after all that's what it is really about. HAPPY GROWING!