Cyc. Alexis Jesus Pardo 'Stardust' x Cyc. Brown's Choice 'Spotted Swan'

Catasetums and their allies offer a kind of dynamic seasonality that few other orchids can match. They grow like weeds all summer, feed like hogs, then drop their leaves in winter for a hard-earned sleep—giving you a break from watering altogether. When this cross spikes, the waxy blossoms emerge in dense clusters that fill a room with a distinct, spicy wintergreen fragrance. It packs all the drama of a big specimen plant into a compact footprint that takes up minimal bench space.

Quick Care Guide

• Light: Bright, indirect light to high filtered sunlight; leaves should sit at a light apple green during the active growing season.

• Water: Heavy watering and feeding while in full growth; complete drought when leaves turn yellow and drop in winter.

• Temperature: Nights 62–68°F, days 75–90°F. Warm-growing year-round.

• Fertilizer: High-nitrogen or balanced fertilizer with every watering during heavy spring and summer growth; none during winter dormancy.

• Mature size: Plump pseudobulbs reach 8 to 12 inches tall; arching inflorescences extend 12 to 18 inches.