Clowesetum (abbreviated Clo.) Rebecca Express 'Jumbo Green' is a beautiful, fragrant, green-flowered hybrid between two outstanding plants that have amazing fragrances—Clowesia Rebecca Northen and Catasetum (abbreviated Ctsm.) expansum.
The pod parent, Clowesia Rebecca Northen (Grace Dunn × rosea), is a very famous hybrid known for its fantastic display of pale pink, frilly-lipped flowers and lemon furniture polish fragrance. Catasetum expansum is a large sized, showy, hot to cool growing epiphytic species from northeastern Ecuador in dry forest at elevations of 65 to 5,000 feet. This unusual group of orchids offers fascinating, waxy flowers that often have the peculiar habit of shooting their pollinia (pollen masses) onto pollinators. Try to avoid triggering this as flowers quickly fade once its pollinia is discharged.
Grow this plant in intermediate light (no direct sun) with good air movement. Like Catasetum, this plant has a growing season and a dormant season. During the growing season, maintain even moisture, high humidity and good air movement. Fertilize regularly with well balanced fertilizer. Water as the potting mix approaches dryness. It is a spring to early summer bloomer. Flower spike will emerge near the base of the pseudobulb after it matures. Clusters of green flowers with a frilly lip form on pendant spikes. Flowers typically only last a couple of weeks. After flowering, the leaves will start to turn yellow in the fall and completely fall off. This is normal, do not be alarmed. After leaf drop, stop fertilizer, moisture can be reduced or stopped completely. While at rest, if the bulbs appear to be shriveling, you can lightly spray them. New growth appears in spring and you can see roots emerging. Increase watering and fertilize when leaves are about 3 inches. It is very susceptible to spider mites that come with hot, dry conditions and poor air circulation while the plants are in growth.
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