Masdevallia Orchids Masdevallias 
 

Growing Masdevallia Orchids

Masdevallia is a genus of 350 species. These are colorful plants found in a wide range of locations, but mainly in Mexico and South America. A bent and drooping look to the leaves which are born on tiny stems is natural. They have no psuedobulbs and cannot endure periods without water.

Light:

In nature they grow in shady areas. Those with thicker heavier leaves need more light while those with thinner leaves prefer shadier conditions. Be careful not to overexpose in the summer. East or West windows or shaded South are best. They can do well under flourescent lighting in winter. Then put outside for summer if conditions are not too hot. Once you choose your spot leave the plant there. They do not take well to a lot of moving around.

Temperature:

Night temps should range from 55 to 60 degrees and daytime temps from 75-80 degrees. The colder you grow these plants the healthier they will become. Flowering will last longer and blooms will be bigger if they are kept on the cool side.

Moisture:

Masdevallia orchids need high humidity and constant moisture to thrive. Humidity should be at 70%.  They do not have pseudobulbs for storage of water and nutrition so it is critical that they recieve these on a regular basis. Light amounts of fertilizer every third watering is helpful. Distilled or rain water is suggested. Again the thicker plants like a little dryness to occur at roots between waterings but the thin leafed plants do not. Drier at roots during hot spells for both types is suggested. Humidity trays are suggested with these plants.

 Soil:

They need a moist root system. Damage can be caused if they are allowed to dry out. Soil breaks down rapidly when kept constantly moist and therefore it is recommended that repotting occurs every 9-12 months. Winter or early spring is the best time to repot. A good repotting tip is to keep the humidity high and the potting medium slightly dry while new roots are forming.

 

Carter and Holmes recommends a soil mixture as follows for Masdevallias.

  • 6 parts clean 1/8" x1/4" douglas fir bark
  • 1 part sponge rock (#3 perlite)
  • 1 part medium tree fern shredded
  • 3/4 part ground New Zealand or Chilean Sphagnum
  • 1/3 part horticultural perlite

Fertilizer:

A good 20-10-20 at 1/4 to 1/2 strength every 2-3 weeks works well.  You can fertilize with Green Jungle Orchid Food every time you water year round.

 orchid care