Masdevallia spikes blast but turn bright pink! - Orchid Board

Kaykay · #1 04-07-2010, 10:09 AM

Anyone got any clue what that is about? I've been away for a couple of days and found a spike which was near blooming when I left blasted and Barbie pink. (Sorry, still looking for digital camera for pics, will add when I have them- I mean that colour literally, and the whole length of the spike)
Any clues as to what would have caused this? Too much light? Yesterday was dramatically brighter than the weather we've been having recently so that could be a possibility. I use distilled water, v.weak fertilizer, potted in sphagnum, high humidity (before you ask!) Temp. around 18 C day/ 12 C night.
If anyone has any ideas, please do let me know. I've never seen anything go this colour before!

Kaykay · #2 04-07-2010, 10:41 AM

Here is a photo. The flash made it come out paler than it really is, but it is a VIVID pink colour...

RosieC · #3 04-07-2010, 11:48 AM

Sorry Kaykay, no pic.

I have no idea what it could be though... I'm still new to Masdies

sadiejoy08 · #4 04-07-2010, 01:55 PM

Americans can be so un-cultured... what's the temp in F?

nenella · #5 04-07-2010, 04:29 PM

18 degree Celsius = 64.4 degree Fahrenheit
12 degree Celsius = 53.6 degree Fahrenheit

Heres the link which I use all the time as us in europe also have the problem the other way round

: Online Conversion - Temperature Conversion

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #6 04-07-2010, 04:35 PM

What kind of Masdevallia is it?

Is it a species or a hybrid?

Do you know the name?

Not all Masdevallias are cool growing.

Kaykay · #7 04-07-2010, 07:28 PM

It's a Masdevallia Kimballiana ( M. caudata x M veitchiana) Sorry about the photo probs before, here is another attempt- once more, the flash makes the vivid pink look much paler, and it is on the side. A bud blasting would not make me post by itself, but the pink spike is just so odd, that I thought it was worth a mention!
Thanks for all your thoughts!
Kay

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #8 04-07-2010, 10:45 PM

Are you able to take a picture of the entire plant, without so much glare?

RosieC · #9 04-08-2010, 07:10 AM

I know veitchiana is a cool growing one (because I'm struggling to keep it cool enough) don't know about caudata.

12C min might be too warm for it. I'm trying to let my veitchiana get down to 5C.

NO idea if that could cause this on the spike though... not got mine as far as spiking yet.

Masdyman · #10 04-10-2010, 07:21 PM

I grow veitchiana & caudata cool min 5c /41f in winter it does reach this in my greenhouse on many occasions in winter.Those min temps are over now so i just try and keep them as cool as possible especially in the day 85 f/29 c tops & shaded NO direct sun . Obviously in summer these temps may go a little higher for a short period will do no harm as long as they are well shaded,i think my hydrofogger
being close to them really helps as well .
My M.veitch is spiking now and caudata is about to flower.
I have a M.mooreana that had 7 flower buds 6 of them are now in flower ,one of the flowers aborted and did go pinky .

Maybe yours got too warm , too much light/sun ?