Catasetum osculatum
Native to: Amazonas - Brazil Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil
General Information
Catasetum osculatum is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous arching lance shaped leaves that grow to 11-58cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4-26cm
Flowers
Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
Blooming Season
- Summer
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Bark
- Charcoal
- Treefern
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
- IsFragrant
Climate
Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 254mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 59% to 80%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 14C to 32C, highest in March (21C to 32C) and lowest in January (14C to 29C).
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.
