Masdevallia

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. Masdevallia is a large genus of very beautiful, miniature orchids, consisting of approximately 500 species. In nature, they can lead an epiphytic, terrestrial or lithophytic lifestyle. The rhizomes are short, creeping, with small pseudobulbs. A single oblong, green leaf emerges from the apex of each pseudobulb. In summer, the orichdea produces low peduncles with very unusual, bright flowers - single or in small inflorescences. The flowers consist of 3 sepals and 1 petal - the lip. The sepals are usually triangular, fused at the base and often have long thin tendrils at the top. The color of the buds is very diverse and contains almost the entire color palette, with the exception of blue and light blue shades. Often all the flowers open at the same time.

Height. About 25 cm, grows quickly. 

Home care

Containment temperature

Temperature conditions depend on the specific species. Most masdevallias prefer cool conditions - they are kept at a temperature of 15 - 25 ° C, decreasing to 5 ° C at night. Some plants can enjoy the summer heat.

Flowering time

Flowering occurs at the end of spring - beginning of summer and lasts about two weeks. The bush can bloom repeatedly during the year, and sometimes even blooms 3 times a year.

Lighting

These plants are often able to develop successfully and bloom profusely even when grown in partial shade. A good indicator of illumination is the shade of the leaves - in good conditions they are bright green, when there is excess light they become light and turn yellow, and when there is not enough light they darken. 

Transplantation

It develops quickly and at the same time easily tolerates replanting, which is carried out annually in the spring, with the beginning of new growth, but before flowering. 

Caring for orchids

A spectacular plant that will be appreciated by both beginning gardeners and avid orchid lovers. Do not change the conditions of maintenance - temperature, frequency of watering and lighting when the orchid throws out flower stalks and until the end of flowering. 

Soil

A coarse fibrous mixture consisting of small pieces of pine bark, sphagnum moss, coconut fiber, and peat. The soil must be well drained and allow air to pass through.

Pests and diseases

When there is a sudden change in conditions, masdevallia sheds its buds. Mature specimens tolerate dry air better than young ones, but their growth may slow down and flowering may occur later than expected. If there is too much moisture, the bushes will rot.

Of the insect pests, the flower can be annoyed by mealybugs and aphids.

Feeding

Feed with fertilizers for orchids in half the concentration every 2 weeks. A solution that is too concentrated can burn the plant's delicate roots. 

Purpose

A valuable collectible species with bright flowers that are quite large compared to the size of the orchid itself.

Air humidity

Ideal humidity is 70 - 90%. Place the pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles or use a room humidifier. You can surround the orchid pot with a layer of wet sphagnum or spray the leaves with soft water at room temperature, providing the plant with sufficient air movement.

Watering

The soil should be evenly moist during the growth period. For irrigation, use only soft bottled or rainwater at room temperature. 

Reproduction

It is fairly easy to propagate by seeds or by dividing large specimens during transplantation. Each division should have a well-developed root system and at least 5-10 leaves.

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics.