Maxillaria tenuifolia in bloom

[camille1585]

My monster Max tenuifolia blooms like clockwork each year, always reaching full bloom in late April-early May. I bought this as a tiny little plant 8 years ago I think, and now it's enormous. 100cm wide (over 3ft), 50cm tall and in a 14cm pot. I don't dare repot into larger yet because it always causes the plant to grow more bulbs from the base and get even wider. But I'll probably have to soon, the pot is so full of roots that it's bulging on one side.

The bloom count has been going up every year. I counted over 40 this year; compared to 20 last year and 15 the year before. I haven't been doing anything differently, so I think it's simple reaching maturity.

And the best thing about this plant, the amazing fragrance! On a warm day the coconut scent fills the entire living room and I can even smell it as soon as I open the front door.

My growing conditions: full sun outside in the summer (in the Netherlands, so rather far north) and abundant watering by filling the saucer twice a week. In the winter it lives in behind a south facing window, and water less often.

[fishmom]

That is a striking plant, and also very red! Good growing! How cool are your nights when you put it outside?

[DeaC]

I want to rub it all over me...love coconut fragrance. Yes it's certainly overflowing the pot but a spectacular plant. Good 4 U.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by fishmom

That is a striking plant, and also very red! Good growing! How cool are your nights when you put it outside?

I don't have a thermometer outside, but I think it gets down to 8-10C (45-50F) on the coolest nights.

Originally Posted by DeaC

I want to rub it all over me...love coconut fragrance. Yes it's certainly overflowing the pot but a spectacular plant. Good 4 U.

Me too, I can't get enough of it. I love sitting on the sofa in the living room and being in a cloud of coconut fragrance. I thought it would be overpowering after a while, but it isn't.

[Pattywack]

Camille that is gorgeous! Every time I see one of these grown so well I want one. Compared to the miniature Maxillaria I grow, that is a monster. Hmmm maybe I could give it a try, the color is beautiful and the fragrance is amazing. Congratulations!

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Pattywack

Camille that is gorgeous! Every time I see one of these grown so well I want one. Compared to the miniature Maxillaria I grow, that is a monster. Hmmm maybe I could give it a try, the color is beautiful and the fragrance is amazing. Congratulations!

If you have space, you should try it. It's one of the most forgiving orchids in my collection. All it wants is good light and regular watering. Even that is negotiable, Dutch winters are dreary and it doesn't mind being underwater in the winter (because it's out of sight in the guest bedroom).
Interesting how red the blooms are when I see the photos on my phone. On my computer screen they come out accurate (I have a calibrated, wide gamut monitor)

[marcmaubert]

That is amazing! I bought a small division last year and burned most of it off by leaving it inside my car and going for lunch. I wanted to buy a new one so I can enjoy the blooms sooner, but I felt the responsibility to nurse it back to health. I hope one day it'll be as big and beautiful as yours!

[fooferdoggie]

we have two mounted and they hung outside fro ma dwarf peach tree. but inside they did well with lots of light no blooms yet. I moved them to s/h because they have not really grown any roots in a year.

[Mountaineer370]

That is a beautiful specimen! I would love to have one of those, but unfortunately, they get way too big for my growing space. I absolutely love their fragrance.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by marcmaubert

That is amazing! I bought a small division last year and burned most of it off by leaving it inside my car and going for lunch. I wanted to buy a new one so I can enjoy the blooms sooner, but I felt the responsibility to nurse it back to health. I hope one day it'll be as big and beautiful as yours!

Give it about 2 - 3 years of good care, it'll come back. They grow fast.