Catasetum "Donna Wise" hybrid and Paph. "Midnight"

[wblevins]

I recently purchased a seedling of these plants to gift someone in September and would like to know how to properly care for it. I live in Oklahoma, where it is VERY hot and humid. Can I keep them outdoors for the summer on my shaded patio? What are their general care? I'm VERY VERY new to orchids and don't want to give him a couple dead plants!

[Jose R. Nieves]

Hi:
Catasetum's are very easy to grow and flower, Donna Wise is Ctsm. tenebrosum (a species) crossed with Ctsm. Orchidglade (Ctsm. pileatum x Ctsm. expamsum). I grow them in plastic octagonal basquets on medium sized orchid mix and hang them quite high on the greenhouse so it gets quite high light. In case you did not know, catasetums bloom male or female flowers depending on the light. Male flowers are considered more attractive (?). Water them a lot when in active grow and fertilize every 2-4 weeks. A relative rest is useful when growing ends, just keep down the water and fertilizer. Pests are not usually a problem and if some I just wipe the leaves with some diluted alcohol. Happy growing!
Jose

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Since Jose spoke about the Catasetum, I will add a bit about the paph. The paph will not appreciate high light. It wants low light. And as these are both seedling orchids, I suggest keeping both in lower light until you gift them in September. If the shaded patio has lots of air movement, they should be okay there. Just remember that the paph will need to stay moist- not wet. Paphs do not have p-bulbs to retain water so, don't let it dry out. The best bet would be in a window inside where they will not get too warm. The summer heat is rough on our orchids here in Arkansas and since Oklahoma is about the same temp wise, inside would be better if you can manage it.

cheers,
BD

[zainal abidin]

Hi here is another technique you can attach to drift wood or a piece of PVC in photo no 1 with adequate most and coconut husk.

[Jose R. Nieves]

Great ideas, even the angled iron. I've seen some large oncidiums on 4" PVC.
Jose