u/wonderaroundmydude

I love me some multi floral paphs, especially the summer blooming types. I have two that bloomed around the same time to each other due to the philippinense parentage in their genetics. The Saint Swithin hasn't bloomed in almost 3yrs. Last time, it bloomed 8 flowers on two fans and is doing it again with this spectacular show.

Crouching Tiger, I got in the orchid show of South Carolina from Marble Branch Farms. He always has great paphs for sale. This blooming came to a total of 10 flowers. Might be another 2yrs but as always I'll be looking forward to it.

Enjoy the show!

The flowers are getting better and better after each blooming session. I hope to see more flowers in the next round. I really like the lip on this and the color and spotting. Fragrance, citrus with mint, very pleasant.

Enjoy the show!

Ctsm Melana Davison has put out its first bloom spike. The shape and color are amazing. I have been waiting to get one for awhile so when it came up on Sunset Valley orchids catalog I had to snap it up. Is there anyone who has gotten one, if so, how's it doing now?

Enjoy the show!

Here's a species that has pushed hybridization for many crosses. I like the yellow color and burgundy spotting. I'm hoping this growing season it grows vigorously. Fragrance of spearmint. Does anyone else have good species?

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Here is one of my reliable bloomers in my collection. This particular plant's flower shape leans in more on the denticulatum than its sibling that leans in on the pileatum. These will bloom multiple times as well. A fragrance of minty creamsicle. Anyone else this hybrid?

Enjoy the show!

Today, we have ctsm Maquiabelo. This is a primary hybrid of tenebrosum and ivaneae. The form and color is much better than the first time it bloomed. Fragrant spearmint.

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Here is a species putting on a good show, ctsm pileatum. The blooms are about the size of my palm. Along with a strong fragrance of minty creamsicle. I have used this species for my pollination from last year so I'm looking to get another round with this one. Has anyone else got a pileatum in bloom or growing?

Enjoy the show

Here are the female blooms of one of my favorite hybrids, Francisco Berrios Gines. This catasetum loves to produce female flowers making it a great candidate for breeding. The fragrance is very powerful with creamsicle and a hint of mint. The challenge is now, which catasetum pollen to use 😁

Today, ctsm dentigrianum, has put on a show. This plant has gone through a lot after hurricane Helene. I thought for sure it was gone but it seems the will to live is strong. This is the pollen parent for CAJ002. It does have a fragrance of citrus like an orange with a hint of mint. Can't wait to see it improve going forward.

Enjoy the show!

Here is my ctsm Mem. Dorothy Wells, pod parent of CAJ001. It's putting on a great job. I have started its watering routine and will be put outside with the rest as soon as the flowers fade. Does anyone else have this hybrid and if so, is it blooming?

Enjoy the show!

These Catasetum buds are getting closer, and I’m watching them day by day as they prepare to open. Right now, they’re only giving hints of what’s coming.

Once the blooms open, I’ll share the reveal.

A new chapter in my orchid journey begins.

What started as a casual interest in growing orchids grew into collecting, joining an orchid society, serving as President of the society, catasetum speaker and now, orchid breeding.

These flasks contain seedlings from crosses I made in 2024. The seed capsules were sent to the lab in 2025, and after 13 months of waiting, I finally received them.

I've deflasked orchids before, but this is the first time I've worked with seedlings from my own crosses. Thanks to plenty of trial and error over the years, I feel confident I can give them a good start.

These seedlings were flasked by a laboratory, but one day I'd like to learn the process well enough to do my own flasking from start to finish.

For now, the next generation begins.

Here's my , catasetum macroglossum, I have two separate plants, both are in bloom at the same time and producing a second spike. There is a fragrance of minty orange. I'm happy with their performance for the start of the new year.

Enjoy the show!

My most prize catasetum is putting on a great show for the start of the growing season. 19 flowers in total with a fragrance of minty cream sickle. Its parents are ctsm Portagee Star 'Brian Lawson's Sunrise' HCC x ctsm ivaneae 'Purple Fantasy'. The lip on this reminds me of a beach sunset scene. I'm looking forward to taking this judging, if the stars align, lol. Does anyone else have this cross?

Enjoy the show!

The first wave of catasetums are beginning to start the blooming show for 2026! This one is called ctsm Hypatia, Catasetum Double Down x Catasetum Fonseca Alfaro. There is a fragrance of minty toothpaste. The flowers remind me of mini bats with a yellow belly, lol. Does anyone else have this one in their collection and if it's blooming for you?

Enjoy the show and more updates to come.