Sunset Valley Orchids
2022 Catasetum Catasetinae Plant Offering
For 2022-23, I am pleased offer this comprehensive selection of Catasetinae hybrids and species. Through the ongoing process of collecting, selecting, and developing our parental lines, the quality of the breeding stock is now without compare. These new hybrids will set the standard for flower quality, plant vigor, and your enjoyment.
This season we have focused on five areas:
Species: We have been collecting and selecting the finest species for many years. Breeding sexually dimorphic orchids is challenging, for example it been 9 years since we last offered Cyc. cooperi! This year’s list is impressive.
Cycnoches: The elegant swan-shaped blooms of Cycnoches are simply breathtaking. Our Cycnoches breeding program has reached new heights, and this year’s offering has brought together the results of evaluating 100’s of potential parents and selecting for plant vigor and excellent flower color and quality. These new crosses will grow fast and reach blooming size in 3” pots. This is the year to ‘stock up on these’ – it’s a truly spectacular offering.
Mini-Catasetum: The success of “mini-Catasetum” crosses and positive feedback by collectors have inspired us to step up the development in this category. Besides being compact growers, these plants consistently flower 2-4 times a year! This new list is by far the deepest and broadest we have offered, and there are many promising new crosses to select from.
Mormodes: Commonly called the goblin orchid, this genus has been getting lots of attention from my toothpick! These are the some of the last Catasetinae to bloom each season, and they look fantastic with their bare bulbs and upright spikes of strange-shaped flowers in fantastic colors! These new crosses are super exciting, and I can hardly manage my anticipation while waiting to see these bloom.
Clowesia: The benefits Clowesia brings to its offspring are surprising: flower longevity, reduced plant size, fragrance, multiple cascading inflorescences, full flower shape and more. We are capitalizing on these benefits in a wide variety of crosses. How many of you have wanted a Cl. Rebecca Northen or Cl. Grace Dunn? These are now available, and we have both a sibling cross and a remake of the original cross. Get them now!
Of special note: Are the Catamodes at the end of the list. We are again breaking new ground with Catasetinae breeding. Take a look.
This year the Catasetinae catalog will come out in two parts, the first half now and the second half to be released about a month late. Keep an eye out for the second release you will be impressed.
I am always available to take your calls and E-mails, so please feel free to contact me. I love to talk orchids! fred.clarke@att.net (760) 310-0778
Plant culture
Your Catasetinae should be in growth by now, with many growers in southern parts of the country already seeing some plants bloom. Watering and fertilizing should be in full swing for most everybody. This is when your plants really put on their best growth. Fertilize with each watering using with ½ tsp fertilizer per gallon of water through October.
Remember – no more re-potting at this time. However, it is ok to ‘slip-pot’ into the next larger pot size. Just wrap more moss around the existing and slip in to the next larger pot, being careful not to over pot or damage those important new roots.
This is when your Catasetinae can really take advantage of lots of light and air movement to help push and develop large new growths. Ideal temperatures in summer are 80-95 degree days and 60-75 degree nights, with humidity between 40% and 80%.
Keep an eye out for spider mites, which can get a foot-hold on your plants (and they have 8 feet!). Be diligent and check the undersides of the new leaves regularly. If mites are detected, spray immediately. They can quickly get out of control if early action is not taken!
Good growing,
Fred Clarke & Carlos Lopez
