Catasetum yum yum batman (Catasetum sanguineum x Catasetum jumbo pearl)

[catasetum-ian]

hi,
this is a cross between the sanguineum and jumbo pearl. registered as Catasetum yum yum batman. however this cross basically display most of the sanguineum characteristic. the upward erected spike, the nose like projection of the labellum (shown in the of the flower taken from lateral side) and resupinated flower with the labellum facing downwards.
this is the second spike, the first spike it had six female flowers. during the formation of second spike, i noticed that broad base flower stalk is forming indicating of female flower again, quickly i moved the plant to a lower light intensity area. luckily for me, i am able to get a male flower at the end of the spike. so here it is, a Batman and three Batwoman

[TwoStems]

That's so cool that by moving it to a different light intensity you can get the other sexed flowers on the same spike!! Part of why I love catasetums

[panam]

I so appreciate your showing these to us, Ian. If anyone described the plant to me, I wouldn't have believed him, as they are so strange. Gotta love Mother Nature!

[k_andreev]

such amazing Ian,i love it's name.

[cdayinflorida]

As always, Ian just wonderful blooms

[Halloamey]

Hehe, quite a funny name, cool Bat family. Did you read some where that light intensity decides sex of the flowers or is it your experience?

[catasetum-ian]

Hehe, quite a funny name, cool Bat family. Did you read some where that light intensity decides sex of the flowers or is it your experience?

read it, you may also find it in the book "world of catasetums". catasetum produces male flower in lower light intensity and female in bright lights. i find this is very true as during sunny hot months, female flowers are abundant! (if you prefer male flower you can always increase the shading percentage of the netting). changing the plant in the mid of a spike formation and having two sexes of flower in a stalk, this is not the first time for me.
however you may also find different plants place in the same area produces two different sexes of the flower although with the same light intensity. some would also said that healthy plants with heavy foliage tends to produce male flowers because of shading effect from the leaves as the spike forms from beneath.
others say that female flower is produce when a plant is under stress and it is a instinct by the plant to continue its existence. however, this catasetum yum2 batman and my ctsm sanguineum had heavy foliage and big fat bulb, yet produces female flowers. but both are in high light intensity area. i had now transferred them to a dim area and we shall see the second spike (started to form) from the ctsm sanguineum produces male flower then next time.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Catasetums are such cool orchids. Thanks for the info, Ian.

cheers,
BD

[catttan]

Interesting name. My Ctsm Jumbo Pearl has produced only female flowers the last 2 seasons and also my pink form of Ctsm pileatum. At the same time and under identical conditions my Ctsm pileatum 'Icy Green' and and 3 other Catasetums and 2 Cycnodes have produced male flowers. Work that out !

[catasetum-ian]

Interesting name. My Ctsm Jumbo Pearl has produced only female flowers the last 2 seasons and also my pink form of Ctsm pileatum. At the same time and under identical conditions my Ctsm pileatum 'Icy Green' and and 3 other Catasetums and 2 Cycnodes have produced male flowers. Work that out !

as i mentioned earlier "however you may also find different plants place in the same area produces two different sexes of the flower although with the same light intensity. some would also said that healthy plants with heavy foliage tends to produce male flowers because of shading effect from the leaves as the spike forms from beneath." i wonder has anyone done a research on the minimum lux of light intensity and minimum hours of sunlight is required for formation of a female flower.
BUT i had a "shade house", where i put all my dormant catasetums, here they receive no more than 3 hours of sunlight, after that full shaded under a zinc roof. this is the place that never fails to produce me male flowers till now. whenever i needed male flowers, i just hang the plants with new spike here. currently four more pots it put on trial again here.........