MASDEVALIAS


These orchids come from Mexico, Peru and Venezuela and in particular the Andes mountains. They like cool, breezy, misty conditions. There are around 340-350 species. They seem to prefer medium light conditions.

Temperature:

cool nights of 50 F to 60 F         day - 65 F to 75 F

Water:                     Try to aim for constantly moist but NOT wet roots, allowing plants to just dry before watering again. Nor having had much success with these orchids I am now using the hydropinc method and feel that my masdevalias are improving.

Humidity:

                As with all orchids these will greatly benefit from high humidity if we bear in mind their natural habitat. I stand pots in a smaller pot so that the pot with the plant doesn’t reach the bottom ofthe smaller pot. I then put both into a much larger pot with plenty of water which provides some  humidity as it evaporates. With the hydroponic method the medium provides its own humidity.

Fertilizer:                   I use any normal fertilizer that can be used for orchids. I use half strength

 

I must admit here to having lots of wonderful growth and few flowers! I do not find them among the easiest of orchids to grow. Although during 2002 I had one plant with copious scented flowers which flowered for about four to five months - success for the first time! I would suggest you browse other sites to see who is most successful with these plants!

Good luck in your quest. If you are VERY successful with these please give me some advice by going to my Home Page and e-mailing me. The photographs on this page I took at an Orchid Show in the U.K.