Madevallia flowering

[raborchids]

I have a madevallia carruthersiana that i want to get to reflower. So i due that, one person told me to put it outside while it was cold out, another told me i might never get it to flower again because of where i live which i think is silly. So what is the right answer!

[smartie2000]

I know that these guys like to stay cool and moist.
How are the temps in your growing space?

[raborchids]

right now there in the coolest place in the house. never higher than 80 right now and never below 60.

[smartie2000]

I think that is an alright temp for masdevallias. I'm unsure about how particular your species is.
I don't like it when people make negative comments like that and I agree with you.
I think that a cool period will help it set bud, probably in the winter. (sorry I'm still a masd. newbie)

[Rick Barry]

I have a Masdevallia carruthersiana I grow outdoors, also in San Jose. It is a sequential bloomer, so the inflorescence should be left on the plant until it turns brown. My plant produces a new bloom on each inflorescence every 6-8 weeks. New inflorescences are produced on mature growths. Grow the plant in low light, comparable to that for Phalaenopsis.
Obviously, I don't agree that you can't grow masdevallias in this area. I do feel that they should be grown outdoors or in a cool greenhouse. I think indoors in this area is either too dry and/or too warm. They don't tolerate drying, so using the proper medium is essential. I use a mix with a substantial amount of peat (the chunky type, not the pulverized type you see at garden centers; chopped sphagnum moss would be an acceptable substitute) for moisture retention. Masdevallias are sensitive to water quality, so reverse osmosis or distilled water is prefered, along with only light feeding.

Don't give up!

Regards,
Rick

[Tindomul]

Thanks for the great info Rick. I keep a few Masdies and try to give them cool temps.
If you want to keep them indoors, how about trying a fish tank to keep humidity/moisture high, and keeping the tank in a cool place so it does not get hot in there.