My first Masdevalia - is it best left in moss?

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Becca

What is the pot size? It looks small to me, but you know how looks can be deceiving in pictures...lol. And are you keeping it inside of another container or is that just for decoration for the picture?

It's in a 3" mesh pot, but I do have that inside a 4.5" outer pot.

The outer pot is really there to catch drips after watering. There is a lot of space between the two pots BUT because I am worried it is causing the moss to dry slower I have started leaving it out of that pot.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Ranchnanny

Ross can you tell me what your Paph mix is?

I was wondering the same thing.

[Becca]

Originally Posted by RosieC

It's in a 3" mesh pot, but I do have that inside a 4.5" outer pot.

The outer pot is really there to catch drips after watering. There is a lot of space between the two pots BUT because I am worried it is causing the moss to dry slower I have started leaving it out of that pot.

I really think it would make a difference to take it out of the outer pot!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Ranchnanny

I have one Masd. it got to much light and the leaves turned dark.

Ross can you tell me what your Paph mix is?

Sheridan

My Masdies are in a south window where they get full (northern latitude) sun and are supplemented with Compact Florescent fixtures for when the sun isn't shining. They sit in with the Paphs and Phals -- maybe 2000-2500 foot candles or so. I don't think the browning is from too much light. I think that is too much heat. Normally Masdies like really cool temps but tolerate warmer. Browning and especially brown/black spots on the leaves is usually a sign of too much heat and not enough ventilation.

The mix is from Quarter Acre orchids and has small bark, perlite, shell, a bit of moss and maybe other additives I can't identify.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by RosieC

It's in a 3" mesh pot, but I do have that inside a 4.5" outer pot.

The outer pot is really there to catch drips after watering. There is a lot of space between the two pots BUT because I am worried it is causing the moss to dry slower I have started leaving it out of that pot.

I have two that are in clear plastic slotted pots (Paph mix or course ) and the pot sits loosly in a larger clay pot for ballast (to keep plant from tipping over.) I pull the pot out regularly to see that the mix isn't wet. Oh, I almost forgot. I tend to underpot all Masdies.

[RosieC]

Thanks Ross & Becca,

This is sitting very loosly in the outer pot as Ross describes, but I did leave the mesh pot out of the outer pot when I came to work this morning anyway.

Ross, you saying that you put them in the outer pot for ballast reminds me that that is the reason I first bought the outer pot. When the Masdi arrived it was very dry and the little pot kept falling over on my desk at work. On my way home I stopped off and bought the little outer pot to help stop it falling over. With the moist moss it does not fall over as much even on it's own.

When it's in that outer pot I pull it out several times a day to see how the moss is doing. I'm a bit paranoid about it I think

I might try it in a fine bark/perlite/moss mix. I'm not sure yet, still not convinced I'm happy with pure moss but also not quite sure I should give up. I DO think we have quite high humidity here though and that could be a good reason to stear clear of it.

[Becca]

Rosie....check out the imperial multi-purpose mix from Repotme.com for your Masdie. I have one potted in it, as I previously mentioned and it is doing good. I don't think I'm sold on pure moss for Masdie's yet either....the one's I have that are in pure moss came that way and I haven't had them long enough to really decide if things are going good or not...maybe just 3 or 4 months if that! Keep us posted on what you do!

[Pamela52]

I started mine out in just sphag. moss at first. I kept over watering. I changed to 50% Moss, 25% fine fir bark and 10% perlite. They like it much better. My %'s are off, but you got the picture. I have cool growing types. I think I had my fan off for a couple days & I lost all leaves but one on 1 of mine.

[RosieC]

So far mine is actually doing OK in the moss. It's such a tiny pot but it still takes about 4 to 5 days for the moss to dry after watering. I let it go mostly dry (dry on top, perhaps a little bit of moisture lower down) then water again.

The two new leaves have continued to grow and just this morning I saw to tiny nubs I think are another couple of leaves starting (less than 1mm so far but I think that's what they are). I can also see a new root starting near the new leaves and the existing roots that I can see look good still.

I'm keeping a very close eye on it, and I might mix in some bark and perlite is I'm not feeling happy with it, but so far so good

[Pamela52]

Sounds good Rosie. Keep us posted. What happens to me is the moist pebbles cause the moss to wick up more water, if orchid is dry its a good thing if wet and it becomes soggy than I have problems. I usually catch it but not always. Happy growing!!