Let's play another round of spike or leaf!

[RosieC]

Great description Philip about where the spikes come from. The first time I saw a Masdevallia growing a spike I was like "What on earth is it doing growing from there" Then I realised what it was and was so excited.

[Bulbofett]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Leaf. Masd coccinea doesn't bloom from there.

It blooms higher up around where the petioles are. The area should be just about where the petioles are joining with the plant's true stem.

---------- Post added at 06:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:45 PM ----------

I'll give you a better idea of where the flower spikes…

The first and second pics show it the best.

In the first pic look at the second mature growth from the left side of the photo. Do you see where the growth has 2 different shades of green? The top portion where the growth is a light green - that's the petiole. The bottom portion of the mature growth where it is a darker green - that's the plant's true stem. The separation of the petiole and the true stem is made clear by how it looks segmented like the area where the segments of a bamboo cane join. Now, look at the petiole of this growth I'm describing for you. Do you see a tiny piece of dried tissue in the center of the petiole. Guess what you're looking at now…that's the area where flower spikes emerge.

Again, it is far clearer in the second photo…

It is on the second mature growth. This time you have a good closeup shot of it. The area is that small vertical, dry looking piece of plant material in the middle of the petiole. It is in the light green area, where the lighter green joins with the darker green.

Ok, Anyone ready for round 2? I'm pretty sure this is it! Thanks for everyone that helped the first time, I learned where I should be looking!

[Daethen]

Spike!!!!

[Bulbofett]

AHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHH!!!!!


Ok so this is my very first Mas. Do I do anything to help it along? I had to bring it inside because temps here are in the 90s. Did I do the right thing? I mean, the humidity isn't as high, but I figured the heat would kill it. Honestly, I never thought it would bloom. Everyone told me it wouldn't because I live in a semi-tropical climate. Share your Masdy wisdom with me!

[Daethen]

I am not a Masdi Master but it sounds like you are doing the right things if it is alive and blooming. Just keep doing what you are doing and watch for changes.

[RosieC]

Just keep growing as normal.

I find some of mine blasted their first spikes, but since they got going there is no stopping them.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Masdevallia coccinea has demonstrated to be able to handle short stints of temperatures of up to 90 F.

It is only when it climbs over 90 F, that that's a problem.

85 F is still tolerable for Masdevallia coccinea.

As long as the humidity doesn't drop below 60%, you're good. They are far more tolerable of lower humidity or fluctuating humidity than Draculas are.