masdevallia floribunda problem - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 05-07-2009, 01:17 AM

Hi,
I have been noticing for several days that my masdevallia floribunda hasn't been looking as healthy as when I first got it (I'm guessing about 4-5 mo. ago ??). It's leaves are not as glossy as usual and they are not a "crisp, grassy green", as they have been...the coloration is a little lighter than normal. The plant has been living in my Exo Terra tank...approx. 80-95% humidity...temp. about 80-85 degrees...and about 800-1000 fc of light from a lamp above my tank (50 watt plant grow light). I've been watering it about every 3-4 days and misting it daily. I have tried not to ever let it dry out completely, but I slipped up this time...it's overdue for a watering by a couple of days. Back when I rec'd it from Andy's Orchids, it was potted in a 2" pot of sphag. As I always do with a new orchid, I repotted it...once again in sphag, but I added some coco chips, also. I decided tonight to unpot it to check the roots. They seemed to be ok (I think ??), but dry. The root system had almost filled the pot, but not tightly. I don't know how snug the roots should fit, so will you please tell me if this pot is ok, or should I repot in a little larger one? I will appreciate it you will also give me your opinion of my growing conditions, and your advice as to how I can make the plant "perkier" again.
Thank you,
Vicki

Brooke · #2 05-07-2009, 06:16 PM

Your plant looks fine but is slightly dehydrated. Soak the roots and repot - if it were mine, I would move it to a 3" pot.

Brooke

Lagoon · #3 05-07-2009, 08:28 PM

I'm with Brooke, it does look thirsty. Masdies don't like to dry out. I keep mine VERY moist almost phrag like.
I would go ahead and pot it up in a larger size, this is a fast grower, the roots should zip thru that 3" pot before the summer ends.
They don't mind being potbound, but you're gonna have to water it more.

Supt to you

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #4 05-07-2009, 09:16 PM

Try to stay on top of your watering and keep it potbound.

Otherwise it's fine. The leaves were shiny probably because they were new leaves. Older leaves are duller in coloration and sheen.

VickiC · #5 05-09-2009, 11:51 PM

Thanks for your advice, Brooke!
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by brooke

Your plant looks fine but is slightly dehydrated. Soak the roots and repot - if it were mine, I would move it to a 3" pot.

Brooke

VickiC · #6 05-09-2009, 11:54 PM

Thank you for your help, King!
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Try to stay on top of your watering and keep it potbound.

Otherwise it's fine. The leaves were shiny probably because they were new leaves. Older leaves are duller in coloration and sheen.