Catasetum osculatum

[Dorsetman]

A sib cross between two spotted forms of this species. Like all the catasetums I have met, seems to be very variable indeed. Many illustrated forms have no lateral petals at all, or at least none visible in the illustrations. It is of course the spotted petals shown here which make this an attractive form (IMHO). That black hole in the lip maybe leads to a nectary - I put the rear view in to show it - that green sac shape, like an aircraft engine nacelle slung under the wings. Apparently the shape of the black hole is helpful in distinguishing from C.saccatum ( also in my collection but not currently in flower - where the hole is more heart shaped).BTw you can see the trigger very clearly here -that single yellow finger extending down across the black hole. Touch that, and the pollinia is fired out, and will stick to to whatever it hits - a pollinating insect, your finger, or even your eye if you get incautiously close !
I find that many Cat's have a tendency to produce a new growth and rush to make a bulb; maybe this is truest when the gowth comes entirely from leafless back-bulbs. Thus explains the poor bulbs here - but the damage to the leaves by overgenerous watering when it started into growth did not help either. Must do better Geoff !.
I have now started changing the feed for these things, giving nitrogen only at the beginning of the growth in an attempt to stop this prematurte bulbing up, and encourage a big bulb before any thought of flowers..
This plant has two spikes, one of just two flowers ( now out) from the smaller bulb, and one of 7 or 8 buds from the larger bulb - both made since it started into growth in early March 2012 - very fast indeed. . Hopefully it will grow on to make another and better bulb following on during the course of this summer.

As to the name - I think osculation is kissing. But whether osculatum means kissed/kissable or something else, currently escapes me !

[TwoStems]

Whoa! Super cool!!! Going on my wishlist (though I probably will never have it )

[serama]

Geoff,

If I'm not mistaken osculatum in latin means both "kissed" or "small mouthed". Looking at the flowers of my non-spotted type I think the name is extremely apt.

I'm quite surprised yours is already in bloom , mine usually starts growing in April/May (though I do live a bit further north than you do) and then it blooms on the matured growth in October/November. I feed it regularly while in growth with B&Q finest VALUE fertiliser and then keep it completely dry for 3-4 months. Out of my 8 or so catasetums, this is the most reliable bloomer.

[Cjcorner]

I think these are amazing. However, they look to be a little trickier to grow.

[catasetum-ian]

Wow Geoff, fantabulous indeed. this is the second osculatum that i must say it is super super cool. the first one that caught my attention is named Catasetum osculatum 'baker's brazillian bad ass'.
saccatum usually have a lightly colored rim on the periphery of the depression in the labellum, usually is whithe in color and the depression hole opening more rectangular in appearance.
what's up with all the dark spots on those leaves? what media do you plant them in?

Congrats on your osculatum bloom Tony

[Dorsetman]

Geoff,

If I'm not mistaken osculatum in latin means both "kissed" or "small mouthed". Looking at the flowers of my non-spotted type I think the name is extremely apt.

I'm quite surprised yours is already in bloom , mine usually starts growing in April/May (though I do live a bit further north than you do) and then it blooms on the matured growth in October/November. I feed it regularly while in growth with B&Q finest VALUE fertiliser and then keep it completely dry for 3-4 months. Out of my 8 or so catasetums, this is the most reliable bloomer.

You have a nice green form there Tony - maybe you can look for a back bulb to propagate, and maybe if I can grow a better bulb I can take off one of mine and do the same, and then we might look to do a trade .
Yes, I know its all wonky in its growing season - my catm's have come through a traumatic time last year ( my error), when all went into dormancy, instead of some of them continuing to grow and flower through the winter ; most are now growing normally, although I have a few which are very stubbornly refusing to move at all. But they are a diverse and fascinating group of plants,and its not easy to get to grips with all of their cultural requirements, perhaps differing from species to species to some extent. But worth the effort , I'm sure.

[catttan]

Congratulations Geoff and Tony. I like both forms and they are just beautiful.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Geoff & tony - congratulations on the beautiful Catasetum orchid blooms. Both are really nice.

cheers,
BD

[mazlani]

A couple of astonishing Ctsm. Never seen this before. Thanks for sharing .