Monthly Meeting

Fred ClarkeCatasetum, Cycnoches and Mormodes are three related genera from the Tribe Cymbidieae. Individually, each has been considered an orchid oddity, or “botanical”, of interest mainly to the seriously addicted enthusiast.   These plants have a brief deciduous period in winter, when the plants need a definite dry rest period bordering on neglect. These robust orchids are native to lowland tropical forests in Central and South America and are usually grown in warm or intermediate conditions.

Lycaste orchids are one of those orchids that reward us with beautiful blooms, tantalizing fragrances, and also very interesting foliage during the summer. They lose those leaves during their winter rest period when they need a dry cool place to get ready for those spring blooms. When I think of Lycaste orchids, I think of the Lycaste aromatica which is a very popular plant here. Members can go to Jim’s website (http://www.calorchid.com/) before our meeting to see the assortment of Lycastes that Cal-Orchid is currently offering for sale. If you see something that you would like to purchase, send him an email and ask him to bring it when he comes here. Jim will be furnishing the plant opportunity table and we hope to see some of his new crosses there.   Read more »