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| Catasetum Susan Fuchs 'Sunrise' is a man-made hybrid between Catasetum expansum and Catasetum Orchidglade. Catasetum is a genus of more than 70 species, ranging from the West Indes, Mexico, and Central America down into Argentina. | ||
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| Catasetums, unlike most orchids, produce flower stems bearing either male or female flowers. The male flowers, as in the photo above, are larger and more colorful than the female flowers. These male flowers measure 4 inches across and produce a "citrus" fragrance. The male flowers are also characterized by a trigger, seen in the middle of the flower, which when touched, slaps the offending insect, or finger, forcefully with a gooey, sticky pollinia that is difficult to remove. | ||
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The female flowers look completely different, almost like an upside down slipper or jug. You wouldn't think it was the same plant. Female flowers are produced only when the plant is exposed to very bright sunlight. It is surmised the reason for this is to ensure the plant has enough light to produce the huge seed capsules containing millions of tiny seeds. Most Catasetums come from warm tropical forests which experience a prolonged dry period during the winter. Most are deciduous and must be given a dry rest period during the winter, watered just enough to keep the pseudobulbs from shriveling. Once new growths are up in the spring, the plants can be repotted, and when the roots are produced the plants should be kept moist and fertilized heavily with a balanced ratio fertilizer. Catasetum Susan Fuchs 'Sunrise' begins flowering in May and produces several stems during the summer often into September and October. Catasetum Susan Fuchs 'Sunrise' received its Jc/Aos award at the Memphis, Tennessee orchid show in May 2003. |
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