a friendly, informative orchid column

Vivi's Orchid Corner

January 1997; Article 12

GROWING MASDEVALLIAS

Dear Orchid Friends:
Masdevallias are unique and beautiful. They are in the subtribe Pleurothallidinae. Masdevallia flowers have a distinctive triangular shape with he sepals being the showiest part. There are nearly 365 species. Most Masdevallias are cloud forest orchids- they like higher elevations and higher humidity. However, there are species that thrive in ranges from sea level to the mountainous elevations. Masdevallias are epiphytes and are found from Southern Mexico to Southern Brazil.
Care Difficulty: average to difficult
Temperature: Predominantly like cool temperatures, but many types grow in intermediate conditions. Masdevallias like at least a 10 degree temperature change between days and nights. They like higher humidity. they favor cooler, damp conditions with good air movement and ventilation. Masdevallia infracta is more tolerant of warmer temperatures.
Light: Masdevallias like low to medium light. Leaf color generally is medium to light green. They like shady areas.
Watering: Keep the medium moist but not drenched. Too much water on the plant can cause a fungus that rots the leaves. It is important to adjust the watering schedule to accommodate the time of year. Masdevallias like to be watered on an average two times per week during the summer months. They may require more watering in the drier winter months. If the humidity is low, you will need to water to keep the plant moist. Remember not to let the plants become too dry because they do not tolerate long periods without water. Air movement is crucial to the plant's survival. Good air movement helps to prevent any fungal or bacterial problems. Use an occasional fungicide to prevent fungal problems.
Fertilizer: Masdevallias are light feeders and require a much more dilute mixture of fertilizer compared to other orchids. Fertilize only once a month. They accumulate fertilizer salts easily so flush water through pots to prevent salt buildup and to keep the medium evenly moist.
Flowering: Usually flowers Spring to Summer.
Medium: Masdevallias like a finer medium that drains well yet retains moisture. A mixture of fine fir bark with sphagnum moss works well. Masdevallias usually require repotting every two years. It is best to pot during spring and avoid repotting during the summer months. The heat may stress the plant.
Masdevallias are truly an interesting genus of orchids. Masdevallias were quite popular in the 1800's. They have grown in popularity in recent years. Masdevallias have a dramatic appearance, but are a bit more difficult to grow. Enjoy and good luck with your Masdevallias.
Until next time,
Vivi
PS If you live in South Florida, there are many forthcoming orchid shows. Don't forget the Ft. Lauderdale Show January 17-19, 1997 and the Miami Show February 28-mach 2, 1997.

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Review my December 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Brazilian Orchid Adventures.
Review my November 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article 15th World Orchid Conference.
Review my Sept/Oct 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Helpful Orchid Definitions.
Review my August 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Growing Vandaceous Orchids.
Review my July 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Summer Survival.
Review my June 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Orchid Habitats.
Review my May 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Growing Cattleyas.
Review my April 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Orchids Galore!.
Review my March 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Cultivating Vanilla.
Review my February 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Cultivating an Interest in Orchids.
Review my January 1996 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Phaelonopsis Culture.
Review my December 1995 "Vivi's Orchid Corner" article Dendrobium Culture.

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Last updated January 1, 1997

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