Do You Grow Masdevallias

[BikerDoc5968]

While I love my phal's, I'm thinking of trying my hand at something alittle different. I have read that masde's have somewhat similar growing conditions to phals and paphs but require a ton of humidity, which is a problem for me sometimes in the GH, especially when the fans exhaust everthing! So just how much and how important is the humidity to grow good masde's???? And the temperature is supposed to be cool...well this maybe I can accomplish??? So what do you guys and gals think??????? Should the Doc take a "stab" at this?

[Ross]

Doc, I've had a few threds about my new Masdies. I have been aquiring several (like 10 now) from a couple sources that have warm-growers. I think we (you and I) need to stay with warm tolerant Masdies simply because of summer temps.

[Lagoon]

Doc, Love to see you branching out - could prove to alot of fun
I have only 1 lil bugger a Masdies Floribunda. You can have it, it hates me I'm thinking about kicking out of the house soon

I think it's whinning for RO water. Funny, grows like crazy though

[BikerDoc5968]

Gloria, if is growing so well, why kick it out....what? no flowers?????? Do they really need RO water????? and Ross, are yours in your terrariums for the humidity thing or don't they really need as much as I've read about?????

[Lagoon]

Doc, Its growing like crazy. But, The ends of the leaves are turning blackish. I have it in sphagnum moss and some perlite. It's in a very humid area where I have 2 large fish tanks that are open.
So its back to the RO with me

Well atleast I think
Did I get you worried? Don't be, lets here from the others first eh?

[kiki-do]

Doc, I have two Masdies that I have had for two years. They grow well, but no blooms. I was told they were warm tolerant, but still no blooms.
One is White Angel and the other is Falcata 'Sunset' x FalconSunrise 'Scarlet' and I have no idea what they look like anymore. Like Ross said, get warm tolerant and try your luck. You will never know until you try. I am too stubborn to let these two go, but I should sell them and let others have a go at blooming them.

[quiltergal]

Hi Doc, I just acquired 4 warm tolerant ones about a month ago. I've not grown them before either. The vendor did make it very clear they are super sensitive to water quality, so mine are getting watered with distilled. From what I gather they don't like to be fertilized much either. Not too sure about the light requirements either. Mine are hanging out in 60-70% RH, and seem to be growing OK, though I don't think I've had them long to know if they're happy. Go for it! What the heck. It's something new and different and the flowers are awesome!

[susiep]

Hi Doc! I have just recently purchased my first 2 Masdies, too. I have to grow them inside because it is way too hot here, but may move them outside this winter. I bought 2 of the same plant in bloom about a month ago and they are still blooming but only 1 flower left on each. I just use tap water, but that is what I use for all my plants and I haven't fertilized them yet. They do seem to drop leaves easily but nothing to be alarmed about yet. I got them from a grower near Atlanta (Peach State Orchids) so they are used to some heat. They were only $10 each so not a big investment if I can't keep them happy. They are so cute! Masde imposter x Masde floribunda.

[Bolero]

I grow about 50 or 60 of them. They grow cooler and this time of year is perfect in Australia for them.

It's hard to give you specific advice unless I know what your conditions are like there but I think there are plenty of people around Michigan that would grow them and be able to give you advice. Does Lynne O'Shaugnessy live near you?

The pleurothallid alliance probably has people who can help. I would give advice but due to my very different conditions I usually get corrected by others.

;-)

[Grandma M]

I can't give you advice on growing them.........I'm an expert at killing them. Mine were all so beautiful as long as they lasted. Marilyn