How to Care for Your Orchids

Based on cultural instructions originally generated by McBeans Orchids.

Incorporating BMOS Members Suggestions.

MASDEVALLIA

CULTIVATION

TEMPERATURE

A minimum night temperature at any time would be around 11 degrees C and a maximum daytime one of 28 degrees C at any time of year.

LIGHT

Masdevallia likes bright but indirect sunlight as direct sunlight, especially south facing direct rays, will scorch and even burn the leaves.

WATERING

Water thoroughly but drain well. Try to keep the compost constantly just damp and do not let it dry out completely.

HUMIDITY

Masdevallia likes it humid so grow it on a plant saucer full of wet gravel or pebbles though do NOT let the base of the pot be in contact with the water. Misting early in the morning during dry times will help and will not harm the plant.

FEEDING

Orchid feed every time you water though this can be expensive. As an alternative a houseplant feed at quarter strength, preferably a liquid one would work. In either case it is probably advisable to use only water at every fourth watering to help flush out unused salts or minerals.

COMPOST

Like many, or indeed most, orchids Masdevallia need free draining mediums so a mixture of course and fine bark or fine bark with Perlite is probably best.

POTTING

Masdevallia doesn’t like to be disturbed so repot only once the pot is full of roots and/or the compost has gone off. You can tell if the compost has deteriorated because it will smell unpleasant. Potting is best carried out in early spring though this could be when the plant is flowering so in such a case delay until the flowers have ended.

OTHER POINTS

Like many if not most orchids Masdevallia dislikes standing next to or close to a heat source such as a radiator or heater and really cannot stand draughts. If your Masdevallia seems reluctant to flower try giving a greater temperature differential between day and night, that is to say lower night and higher day temperatures.