Masdevallia Leaves turning gray/brown and dying

[Sykith]

I am completely new to this hobby, I did a fair amount of research over the last few months and eventually decided to jump in. I got a masdevallia schroederiana (among others) the week before Christmas. When I first got it a few of the leaves turned a grayish brown near the tops of the leaves and proceeded to die. My research into this had me thinking it was leaf burn (or change of conditions) so I moved it so it wasn't directly under the artificial light. It seemed to be doing fine for a while, then I felt like the leaves were too green which I read was a sign of too little light to I tried moving it back under the light. After a week and a half one of the older leaves is showing the same signs and I wanted to make sure that it was in fact leaf burn before I moved it again.

If anyone would like to know any other details id be more than happy to if the picture doesn't give enough insight into my problem. Also pardon the picture quality all I have is a phone camera.

[estación seca]

I've never grown this because I can't give it what it needs. According to the Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia

IOSPE

this is a cold to cool growing cloud forest plant. In its environment it will likely grow in dense shade, humidity near 100% most of the time, and be very wet. It would probably enjoy the lichen-encrusted Northwestern spruce rain forests in the spring.

I would guess you won't be able to give it enough humidity unenclosed, but other people here are expert Masdevallia growers, and I'm not.

[Sykith]

So its probably both moisture and light? I actually have an old 2.5 cube aquarium lying around, if I found a way to cover it to retain the humidity (probably plastic wrap even) and raise the pot above the water level would that work? Potentially even as a temporary setup?

[estación seca]

I hope some of the masdie growers respond, but for now, that sounds like a good plan. I know wintergirl is a big fan of mounting on Kool Logs, which provide constant moisture and evaporative cooling.

[Sykith]

The kool log sounds like the best idea for my situation, as it would allow for air circulation which would also keep the temp down. Figuring out how to mount it shouldn't prove too difficult I just don't know where to get one, Ill have to do some research.

[silken]

According to OrchidWiz, this species requires quite low light-800 to 1500 fc. I would not have it under any light, just near some light. A nice bright green is a good thing. Even possibly slightly dark. Your moss looks rather dry. Masdies should never completely dry out. As already mentioned this grows in a cloud forest with low light, high humidity and year long temps in the 60's F in the day and the mid 40's to low 50's at night. So it is likely not keeping cool enough either. This is probably a challenging plant for a seasoned Masdie grower to grow and bloom, let alone a newbie! It has somewhat more specialized needs than many Masdvevallia hybrids. Hopefully you can now improve its conditions. And maybe get yourself an easy growing hybrid that will respond better to regular household conditions also. Good luck.

Kool-Logs Here is the Kool Log site. You'll have to be sure you can keep the roots moist when mounted tho.

[DeaC]

Originally Posted by Sykith

The kool log sounds like the best idea for my situation, as it would allow for air circulation which would also keep the temp down. Figuring out how to mount it shouldn't prove too difficult I just don't know where to get one, Ill have to do some research.

Welcome to OB! You picked a bit of a challenging orchid to begin with but what the heck. I also have some masdies but FYI there are some that do nicely in "warmer" environments.Have heard good things about these Kool Logs so I say go for it and enjoy the addiction!

[Sykith]

Well this was probably an error on my part but I decided to go for it I had only really read articles and guides on general masd. and ones classified by temp not specific species. I think one other error I am having is letting it dry too much between watering, since that is one thing that is stressed everywhere I look in regards to orchids. My background is in aquatic plants so watering is not something I'm all that familiar with.

I do think I have figured out a better temporary situation thanks to you all and I will definitely be buying a kool log for it. Which size would be best for this one? I was thinking medium or large, leaning towards large.. Also I might get one for my masd. erinacea, that one seems to be much easier but if it will improve the life/growth of the plant why not!

Thanks for all the help!

---------- Post added at 02:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:25 PM ----------

Actually looking back at the sizes I might even need a large+ or XL.. While the erinacea would probably be a medium..

[wintergirl]

I tend to like the large for most masdies. The extra large is pretty big and I have not used it. You are correct about the m. erinacea, it is an easy one. Mine just keeps blooming, A medium would be fine for that one. Keep us informed on your progress. I think the real test comes when it gets hot

[Sykith]

My plan was to use my basement during the summer. I assume just any sphagnum moss will work, is the $8 for 8 liters a good price (on kool logs website) and would that give me enough to mount both along with whatever I can salvage from the schroedariana?