Masdevallia is a genus of some
350 species usually from cool, misty mountains of
the New World Tropics. Masdevallias are best
known for their showy flowers consisting of
sepals fused into a tubelike structure. Their
origins in cool, damp environments make them an
excellent choice for cool or coastal climates.
Most species and hybrids are compact enough so
that they can be easily accommodated on
windowsills or under lights.
L I G H T
should be like that given for phalaenopsis and
paphiopedilums -1,000 to 1,500 foot-candles.
Masdevallias can be kept in light intensities up
to 2,500 foot-candles if the growing area
can be kept cool. Plants grow well under standard
fluorescent fixtures and can be summered outside
in shade. In the home, place in an east or shaded
south window or under artificial lights.
TEMPERATURES
should be cool to intermediate. The plants will
grow slowly and eventually expire if temperatures
remain high for long periods. Cool evenings help
reduce heat stress during the day. Nights of 55
to 60 F are ideal; day temperatures should be 65
to 75 F. Evaporative cooling pads or humidifiers
are useful in maintaining these conditions. Avoid
day temperatures higher than 80 F.
W A T E R is
critical for these plants because they have
minimal water-storage tissue. Roots should be
allowed to become almost dry before watering
again; if drainage is adequate, constantly moist
roots are fine. Good-quality water low in
dissolved solids is imperative for success.
H U M I D I T Y is
an important factor in the successful culture of
masdevallias. The ideal range is 60 to 80
percent. In the home, set the plants on trays of
gravel partially filled with water. In the
greenhouse or enclosed growing area, humidity can
be increased by use of a humidifier, while
evaporative coolers help raise humidity and lower
temperatures. If plants are summered outdoors,
automatic misters under the benches are
recommended as is more-frequent soaking.
F E R T I L I Z E
regularly with a dilute solution while plants are
actively growing. Applications of 30-10-10-type
formulations twice a month are ideal for plants
in a bark-based medium. A 20-20-20-type
formulation should be used for plants in other
media. If weather is overcast, applications once
a month are sufficient.
P O T T I N G
is best done in the winter or early spring,
before the heat of summer arrives or as new roots
are produced. Plants must be repotted frequently,
every one to two years, before the potting mix
decomposes. A fine-grade potting medium, such as
fine fir bark or tree-fern fiber, is often used
with plastic pots. Sphagnum moss is also used,
especially for establishing plants The
plant should be positioned in the pot so that the
newest growth is farthest from the edge of the
container, allowing the maximum number of new
growths without crowding the vessel. Plants
growing in many directions may be positioned in
the center of the pot. Spread the roots over a
cone of potting medium and fill in around the
roots with potting medium to the junction of the
roots and the plant. Firm the medium around the
roots. Keep humidity high and the potting medium
slightly dry until new roots form.
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Prepared by the AOS Education Committee