advanceduncommonCatasetum
Mother of Pearl
Catasetum pileatum
Deciduous; strong wet/dry cycle; flowers can be male or female on same plant.
Bloomswhiteyellow
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Bright light in growth
Lightmedium
Heavy in growth, none in rest
Foodmedium
Balanced orchid fertilizer at 1/4 strength
Temp
60-90°F
Humidity
50-80%
Origin
South America
About Mother of Pearl
Researching Mother of Pearl…
Care guide
Potting medium
Open, fast-draining orchid bark mix in a pot with drainage holes.
Repotting
Every 2 years or when the medium breaks down.
Bloom season
Varies by species and growing conditions.
Bloom longevity
Typically 3–6 weeks per spike.
Growth habit
Refer to the species' parent genus for growth pattern.
Propagation
Division at repotting time, ideally just as new growth begins.
Pests & prevention
Watch for scale, mealybugs, and spider mites — wipe with diluted isopropyl alcohol.
Signs of trouble
- ●Mushy roots → reduce watering and repot in fresh dry medium
- ●Yellowing leaves → check light levels and watering frequency
Grower's tips
- ★Consistency matters more than perfection — pick a routine and stick with it.
- ★Air movement prevents most fungal and bacterial issues.
