Maxillaria tenuifolia - Orchid Board

Plodde · #1 01-14-2015, 08:18 PM

Quick question y'all, I have a very small Maxillaria tenuifolia in a wire basket lined with coconut fiber ( with bark as my medium). Today I noticed roots starting to peek thru the basket. I just repotted it about 2 months ago. Should I already disturb it and move it to a bigger basket? Or is this orchid okay with hanging air roots?
Thank you in advance for any advice!

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 01-15-2015, 12:54 AM

Is it possible to provide a pic and some more information about your growing conditions please?

Plodde · #3 01-15-2015, 01:45 PM

I always think my messages are detailed enough but they never seem to be

Attached are two pictures of my coconut orchid (Maxillaria tenuifolia)
I have had it for a little over two months, and it hangs in my terrarium with multiple other species of orchid.
Recently the temp in the terrarium has been around low 60's at night, high sixties day. And for the past few nights the temp has gotten into the high 50's. I have two 22 watt led lights that hang above the terrarium.

Plodde · #4 01-15-2015, 02:02 PM

Sorry now all got attached

Leafmite · #5 01-15-2015, 03:29 PM

Many of my orchids have roots sticking out of the basket pots I use. I have not found this to be a problem. In fact, I prefer it as I enjoy seeing the roots and it helps me know when to water.

dendro king · #6 01-15-2015, 05:57 PM

The roots will do whatever they want to really, and as leaf mite said; I enjoy seeing the roots

Plodde · #7 01-15-2015, 09:50 PM

so the roots don't do better covered in medium for this orchid?

Leafmite · #8 01-15-2015, 10:52 PM

I don't think it will matter to a max-ten how you grow them. After all, in those upper growths they put out, the roots are pretty far above the medium. Many even mount these on thin logs to let them climb. They do like plenty of water but having their roots exposed won't hurt them. Mine is growing in red lava rock and a basket pot. As long as I water it often, it blooms in late spring.

Plodde · #9 01-15-2015, 11:53 PM

Thank you everybody. I'm really trying to get this one in blooming condition. Can't wait for that coconut aroma.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #10 01-16-2015, 01:54 AM

As was mentioned earlier, I wouldn't repot it right now. Maybe in about 1 - 2 years, but not now. I think the roots will be ok in an enclosed environment where the humidity is controlled for.

Blooming this species is tough. It can be rather stubborn - particularly the 2N, (the natural ploidy), version of this plant. Hang in there, though, it may eventually decide to bloom.

Good luck with it.