Clowesia dodsoniana (Syn Ctsm sp. nova Aguirre) – Rare

Clowesia dodsoniana – Dodson’s Clowesia

Clowesia dodsoniana is a distinctive, warm-growing orchid species from the seasonally dry forests of western and southern Mexico. It grows mainly as an epiphyte, sometimes on rocks, and forms ribbed pseudobulbs with seasonal leaves. Its unusual botanical name has also appeared in older references as Catasetum dodsonianum.

When mature, the plant can produce graceful, hanging flower sprays from the base of a new pseudobulb. The numerous small, greenish-white flowers are fragrant, making this species an appealing choice for collectors who enjoy unusual Catasetinae orchids.

Features:

• 🌎 Origin: Western and southern Mexico, including Michoacán
• 🌸 Flower size: Approximately 3–3.5 cm long
• 🎨 Flower colour: Greenish white
• 🌺 Fragrance: Fragrant flowers
• 🌿 Growth habit: Medium-sized epiphyte, occasionally lithophytic, with ribbed pseudobulbs and seasonal leaves
• 🌼 Flowering: Hanging flower sprays may carry around 12–30 flowers; flowering is generally reported from late spring to mid-autumn
• ☀️ Light: Very bright filtered light
• 🌡️ Growing conditions: Warm to intermediate temperatures with good air movement
• 🪴 Growing style: Pots or baskets in a medium-grade, free-draining epiphyte mix
• 💧 Watering: Water regularly during active growth. After flowering and leaf fall, reduce watering to a light maintenance level until new growth begins.

Clowesia dodsoniana has a clear seasonal rhythm: enjoy its fragrant flower sprays, then allow the plant a drier resting period after the leaves drop. Flowering time and performance vary with the plant and growing conditions.

Botanical note: Clowesia dodsoniana is an accepted species name; Catasetum dodsonianum is a recorded synonym. A reliable mature plant height and individual flower lifespan were not available in the references consulted.