Catasetum longipes
Also known as: The Long Foot Catasetum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Brazil
General Information
The Long Foot Catasetum is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil. The name refers to the elongate column foot.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 0.25cm. Each new growth has numerous arching lance shaped leaves that grow to 6.2-31cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.4-11cm
Flowers
Numerous fragrant blossoms appear
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Bark
- Charcoal
- Treefern
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
- IsFragrant
Climate
Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 2mm to 325mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 17C to 29C, highest in February (21C to 29C) and lowest in January (17C to 27C).
Watering
These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.
During Summer, be sure to keep media moist. Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydrationFertiliser
These plants thrive on fertiliser, especially during periods of growth. Liquid fertiliser can be applied year round at the recommended strength, augmented with manure pellets or other quickly degradable fertiliser, applied away from the base of the plant, during periods of strong growth. Slow release pellets can also be applied year round at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.
They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, and by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears.
Use balanced fertiliser year round. This plant is a heavy feeder year round, full strength fertiliser can be used. Fertiliser can be applied heavily year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.Potting
Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots Repotting is best done annually.
