Is Masdevallia glandulosa difficult to grow?

[cloudforest]

Hi everyone!
I have been considering whether I should try out masdevallia glandulosa. I am a bit confused about the culture, some sources implying that it is not a difficult plant, while others saying it is hard to keep alive. Does anyone have experiance with this plant? Has anyone tried to grow it under lights in their home?

[Kyle]

I find it hard to grow. I've had several different clones and all have gone downhill and died. I have over 100 species of masdevallia, but can't quite get this one down. Sorry, can't offer any advice.

Kyle

[unhappykat]

I know it needs to be mounted in order for it to survive. It likes to be kept very cool try hanging it in front of a fan at low speed and keep it moist. Dont let the temp rise above 80 or you will get foliage loss. I nearly killed mine before I gave it to a freind who grows hers in front of a swamp cooler with encyclia citrinas and in 18 months she took it from certain death to blooming and soon it will need to be remounted. So unless you have the temp I wouldnt recccomend this species.

[Kyle]

Granted that I have killed 2 and will probably kill a third before the end of summer, I have to disagree with your recommendation that it has to be mounted. Sure that works, but most people grow this species potted. I can't, but most people do.

Also, this species is tolerant of higher temperatures. Tolerant being the correct word, not prefers. Keep as cool as you can, but you don't have to be affraid of it getting warm for a few days, or a few hours each day.

Kyle

[cloudforest]

Thank you all for the info!
Sounds like I might do better if I tried a hybrid. Perhaps Masdevallia Confettii would be easier to grow? I have read that it has a good fragrance also.
Charles

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I know this is an old post, but...

They have a drier winter and a wetter summer. They grow like Kefersteinias or Cochleanthes.

So to answer the question...

Yes, they are somewhat difficult to master. But they're not too touchy, there are worse.

[Kyle]

Thanks for bringing this back. I've killed a few more. It one that I just can't get the culture down for. I still have one hanging on, but its far from blooming.

Kyle

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yeah, same here. Mine are just dangling by a thread. Luckily the heat died out. There are lots of new shoots coming along and looking good so far. Unfortunately, I got my clone from someone in San Francisco, which is a lot cooler than it is here!

However, according to the IOSPE, the elevation range this plant comes from should really be suited to being grown where I'm located, not cool San Fran.

Go figure...

I'm hoping the new growths adjust to the cool - warm side of intermediate temperatures here, just like the temperatures they should experience in the wild (if the IOSPE elevation range is correct).

---------- Post added at 12:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:43 AM ----------

Btw, I do also experience new shoots damping out, which is why I mentioned the seasonal precipitation.

[ronaldhanko]

This is one I have no problem with. I grow it in a clay pot and live sphagnum and it is a huge plant, about 8-10 inches across, just blooming now - probably has 50 flowers. It's grown in a corner of the case with a bit lower light and I don't give it a drier winter, but treat it the same year around, in fact it seems to like it a bit wetter, since most of my Masdevallias are in net pots and this is not and is in a place where it gets a lot of run-off and drip from other hanging plants.

[Kyle]

I found the same thing. It does a bit better for me when kept wet.