Catasetum peruvianum
Also known as: The Peruvian Catasetum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Loreto - Peru
General Information
The Peruvian Catasetum is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 5-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.8-10cm
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 51mm to 191mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 19C to 31C, highest in March (21C to 31C) and lowest in January (19C to 28C).
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.
