Maxillaria tenuifolia 'Yamada's Yellow - Looking sick

[iLoveOrchids101]

Hi, I bought two Maxillaria tenuifolia 'Yamada's Yellow from Carmela orchids last fall. They were doing fine with weekly watering schedule. During winter I slowed it down to twice a week. For last month+ they are looking little sick...darkening of the bulbs and lost few leaves. Hoping to get some guidance to understand what's going on with these orchids and how can I recover them. Thank you.

[Roberta]

For a start, these don't like to dry out. Much of the root system is contained under the dry bracts that cover the growth between the pseudobulbs. Which should never be removed or damaged. You may want to try to give them a 'mini-greenhouse" by popping a plastic bag over the plant to help conserver moisture.

[estación seca]

Warm, wet and humid. It needs all three.

[Roberta]

I might argue with the "warm" part... mine thrive outdoors on my southern California patio. But wet and humid for sure... the plant in the photos looks desiccated.

[iLoveOrchids101]

Thank you for the feedback. Few more clarifying questions.

If Wet and Humid are preferable for this plant, should I try also spraying water mist on these plants on daily basis?

Also it seems my once every twice weeks watering is too less for these plants. Should I increase it to once a week Or even more frequently.

For the dried leaves or the blackened pseudobulbs should I try to trim to prevent further spread?

Thank you.

[Roberta]

Don't trim anything. Let the ugly leaves fall by themselves, you can't tell what is dead and what isn't. yes, every two weeks watering is not enough. I'd water it at least twice a week especially if the humidity is low or temperature is high. Spraying regularly may also be helpful - since the roots run the length of the plant, under those dry sheaths, they can absorb water.

[tmoney]

howdy! we spray our maxillarias almost daily during active growth. during winter we water only once a week and no spraying. during summer, 2x soaking a week with near daily spraying. we use a targeted spray to soak those bracts that Roberta mentioned.

you should be able to bring this back with a little love. they seem to be very flexible plants! good luck!