Growing Masdevallia Veitchiana Indoors?

[RandomGemini]

We'll see if mine survives the next 8 weeks. I found a mealybug on it and am going to treat it. Thank you for your post. I wish i could grow it outdoors, but it's too cold here in the winter and too hot in the summer.

I will keep this thread bookmarked so that if my plant does survive this infestation, I will know what to do.

[The Orchid Boy]

I have a hybrid of this that grows just fine, excellent even. It spikes a lot too! But.... the spike usually blasts before producing a flower. Low humidity I'm guessing. And I don't have that low of humidity (65%-75%). I'm looking to get and set up a terrarium because I love some of the cool/humid orchids.

[RandomGemini]

I have the same problem with my Dracula Lotax. I have a terrarium I'm planning to set up for it for the same reasons.

[RandomGemini]

Well, it's not quite 8 weeks, but I haven't found a single bug on it since the first one I saw. I opted to repot it into a clay pot with some New Zealand sphag. I did make sure the pot was porous before use. It was just in time too, as our temps here are going into the 80s. So far so good! This method really does keep the pot cool! I didn't think the temperature drop would be that significant, but the pot is cool to the touch and you know it's time to water when the pot looks dry. Really easy to maintain this way actually!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

Well, it's not quite 8 weeks, but I haven't found a single bug on it since the first one I saw. I opted to repot it into a clay pot with some New Zealand sphag. I did make sure the pot was porous before use. It was just in time too, as our temps here are going into the 80s. So far so good! This method really does keep the pot cool! I didn't think the temperature drop would be that significant, but the pot is cool to the touch and you know it's time to water when the pot looks dry. Really easy to maintain this way actually!

Attachment 99389

Your temperatures of being around 80 F is pretty ideal compared to mine.

It has skyrocketed up to about 105 F during midday in the past few days and this orchid's still around.

Will post a pic soon.

FYI, like I said prior, it was damaged because I repotted the thing too late. By the time I decided to repot the orchid, the mix had broken down to a dirt-like consistency and the roots started rotting out bad.

I got 3 divisions of the plant upon repotting by default, and lost 2 of the 3. I'm left with 1 division that is recovering nicely despite our heatwave.

Keep in mind, the damage was severe, and the plant will not look all that impressive, but I wanted to demonstrate what kind of mettle this orchid has.

It is a soldier.

[RandomGemini]

I can't wait to see pics! I would love to be inspired and encouraged.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Here it is after root damage from a potting mix gone bad, and over 100 F summer day temperatures.

[RandomGemini]

Wow! They really are tough plants! It looks pretty nice!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I forgot to mention that the recovery has taken place in less than a year. Probably around 9 - 10 months, something like that.

[RandomGemini]

That's impressive too! Now I'm really glad I purchased this plant. I think we shall get along famously!