This is the time of year for some Catasetums to lose their leaves. When
this happens will vary with different species.

In "The World of Catasetums" by Arthur Holst, he gives the following info
for C. pileatum:
Flowering is mainly in Autumn, although plants may flower at any time. A
bulb can produce multiple spikes.
This species is accustomed to hot, humid conditions and may only need a
short dry season. Some plants that come from Venezuela's savannah will have
a longer dry period. Provide a winter rest if the plant's appearance
indicates a need for dormancy.

If you like Catasetums you may want to get this book, it's not very
expensive.

-danny

"GrlIntrpted" wrote in message
t...
Does no one else grow Catasetums on this board?


"GrlIntrpted" wrote in message
. net...
I posted two photos of a Catasetum pileatum in ABPO under same subject
line.
As you can see, the leaves are yellowing. The second photo is of the
surface of the plant to show that the roots are looking well, and that
the
bulbs are nice and on the plump side. My questions a

I- Is it this time of the year when the ctsm's start to shed leaves? if
so,
is this when I stop watering it completely?
II- It stayed pretty much in full sun all summer, and took it very well,
the
leaves were green up until Friday of last week. If I keep it in darker
conditions now, withold water until new growth appears, give it a drop
of
about 10 to 15F at night, and about 74F during the day, from now until
spring
A: When can I approximately expect it to send out a spike?
B: Will it produce male flowers?

III- And if it's not that time of the year, then can someone clue me in
as
to what's going on with this orchid?

Very thankful for any tips & assistance,
Mariana