MASDEVALLIA problems. Help!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by NeoNJ

Hey Philip:

I've had these 2 Masd. decumana for exactly 2-days. They arrived on Tuesday from ANDY'S.

That's suspect...

Spotting shouldn't be that quick if it's from short term shipping stress! This kinda stuff happens when they're recent imports from out of the country or from plants with severely compromised root systems.

I can show you a photo of some of my Masdevallias that come from roughly similar elevation ranges. None of them have blemishes.

Like I said, the ones that I own that are from elevations starting from around 2,200 m are the ones suffering.

Originally Posted by NeoNJ

One of them was in full bloom when I unpacked it. Gorgeous.

Well, that's one plus, at least you got to see a bloom, but like I've always said, flowers are not always indicative of overall plant health.

Originally Posted by NeoNJ

Within 24-hours the leaves started to spot, yellow, pit and obviously become stressed.

That is incredibly suspect, like I said, spotting like that is most likely caused by disease. This is the kind of stuff I see from fresh imports coming from Ecuagenera.

Originally Posted by NeoNJ

It's been the same with every mounted Masdevella I've ever grown - a few years ago I had 4 mounted Masdies arrive from ANDY'S. The same thing happened. I lost all 4 plants. And it was a huge financial loss, as the plants were not cheap.

I know the feeling. But like I said, you might wanna try getting something potted. Try J&L Orchids, they're closer to you. They let you choose mounted or potted plants for certain species. They also carry Masd decumana.

Originally Posted by NeoNJ

Problem is I think I need to stay clear of SPECIES and stick with more 'reliable' Masdevallia hybrids that are potted and not mounted !

PATRICK

Hybrids. Species. Doesn't matter. Having difficulties with Masdevallias is having difficulties with Masdevallias.

I don't think species is the issue. I've had species Masdevallias grow just as vigorously as hybrid Masdevallias.

I recommend a thorough disinfection of your plant asap.

Check for root damage. Like I said, I tend to not like how much moss the mounted Masdevallias from Andy's has. You could afford to remove a few strands.

If you're watering everyday, I recommend cutting back on your watering.