Catasetum orchids

Catasetum is a New World genus of around one hundred and fifty species, native from Mexico to Argentina, known for deciduous behaviour and unisexual flowers: depending on light and hormonal conditions, a single plant produces either male or female flowers, and the two can look so different that they were historically classified as different species.

The genus grows vigorously during a wet warm season, builds up fat pseudobulbs, then drops its leaves and rests bone-dry through a cool winter. Following this cycle is essential; Catasetums watered through their dormancy rot quickly. Done right, they reward growers with spectacular flower spikes.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): bright light to nearly full sun during growth (3,000+ footcandles), warm temperatures during growth (18 to 32 °C), generous water and heavy feeding during active growth, then complete dryness and cooler conditions (down to 13 °C) during dormancy after leaves drop. Medium bark in pots.

Species include Catasetum pileatum, Catasetum tenebrosum, Catasetum saccatum, and Catasetum expansum. Complex intergeneric hybrids with Mormodes and Clowesia produce the "Fredclarkeara" and related lines, sold under a variety of trade names. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.