Masdevallia Misery

[Undergrounder]

It's not as bad as it sounds but i got a flowering sized Masdevallia about a month ago and it likes its position really well, i got a good microclimate going for it and its giving me nice luscious growth.

About 5 flower stalks have sprung up, but slowly, one by one, as they start to mature and form a bud at the top, they go white, then yellow, then dry out and die.

Anyone know what's going on? I fert with Hi-K occasionally and keep it appropriately watered but it looks like the flower stalks are giving up the ghost just as they start to form flowers!

[JAMMINJOE]

maybe too strong on the fertilizer mix burning the flower?

[Undergrounder]

Thanks JJ, i've moved the madey back into my bathroom, where it doesn't get as harsh conditions (and misses the fertiliser schedule) and the remaining flowers have not yet died.

Here's hoping

[shakkai]

When you say 'harsh' conditions ... what do you mean? I have had this happen with one of my Masdie hybrids, and I put it down to temperature change at the time. I don't use a lot of fertiliser with the Masdies, as some can be quite sensitive to the buildup of salts.

[Ray]

What is the temperature tolerance of the particular species or hybrid? Most masdies are relatively cool growers, and if the temperature is too warm and humidity too low, they will drop buds as you describe.

[Undergrounder]

It's a hybrid but it was reccommended to me from a very knolwedgeable guy as one of the more tolerant of the hybrids.

They normally sit on the bottom shelf where the rest of my orchids are, they don't get any real harsh sun through the shadecloth and they're surrounded by ferns, they're on a pebble tray and there's a wet washer squashed down between the pots.

It's a decent microclimate down there but when the wind picks up it can get dry.

Of about 6 spikes, 4 died but after i moved it to the bathroom the remaining 2 spikes are still OK.

I think i'll grow the masdes outside and move them in when they're in spike from now on.

Edit: Oh i forgot i'm setting up my aquarium to grow my flasklings better so that might be a better spot too.

[Ray]

The drying wind could surely do it.