Uh-oh!!! Masdie problem!!!

[cb977]

I really want the Koellensteinia graminea but now I'd also like the Den aberrans...and I can't get them both in the same place so the search begins again

[gmdiaz]

I am back to the drawing board too:

I could get the Dracula Chestertoni from Andy's. . .been wanting that for a long while and the Dend senile.

But then I also found the Phal Center State "Cockleshell" - peloric at Pineridge Orchids. Anyone have experience buying from that vendor?

So many choices. . .so little time. . .HOW are we going to make it through the winter? Tips & Tricks welcome. lol

[Ross]

Originally Posted by gmdiaz

HOW are we going to make it through the winter? Tips & Tricks welcome. lol

By making your choices quickly . Enjoy whatever you get, I am already enjoying studying mine.

[shakkai]

I reckon it is going to take me the rest of the winter just to get my new lot incorporated into my daily/weekly routine. I don't think I could handle anything new that I would have to learn until I've got these ones sorted out.

[Bolero]

Have a read of the latest Masdevallia book. Cool, Intermediate and Warm growing Masevallias have different temp ranges from the other orchid plants though.

A warm grower wouldn't want temps above the low 70's whereas a warm growing paph wouldn't mind the 90's.

Ron Parsons is one of the writers and I have found the book to be very interesting and informative. I don't think any of the cool growers prefer warm temps but this depends on your definition of warm. At best they will tolerate warm temps (as I have been lucky enough with) but they don't like prolonged exposure and that's why on warm days I put mine inside my home where it's air conditioned.

But there are many plants and each one is different.

Sorry to hear it didn't work out. Mine will grow down to 32F in winter and that's when they are at their best. They do ok in summer but not as well as when they're growing in cooler temps. That's why climates like Tasmania and New Zealand are ideal for them.

I grow mine through persistence but I still lose he occasional leaf during the warmer weather. I hope I haven't rambled on too much.

[shakkai]

Bolero, Thanks for your post! I think this is really good information to keep in mind. (And I agree, the book is a very good resource.)

Re-reading this section, I note that it says

During warmer periods (such as heat waves), providing increased shade will help the plants survive these stressful periods. Stressed plants may drop all their leaves (even within a single day). However, the plants may recover if the plants are shaded, provided high humidity, and given plenty of air circulation.

The two that Sue had, rolfeana and schroederiana, are both listed in the Intermediate section. The temps given for Intermediate are: 55-68F (13-20C) daytime / 50-56F (10-13C) nighttime.

Mine don't get this cool overnight in summer, though. I am probably successful because of the combination of very high humidity, even with strong air movement, daily misting of the plants, and relatively low light levels - which they all suggest as strategies to reduce heat stress and prevent leaf drop.

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[Bolero]

Yes that section is right, I add shading, I mist more regularly and keep them more protected. On the days that get really hot I bring them inside like I said. It's surprising how much heat some of them will tolerate really. I had a veitchiana which I grew outside in a glass house, despite the heat it never dropped a leaf even though I didn't bring it inside. It was protected from the hot winds and humidity and shading were increased along with air movement and it did well anyway.

I think when we grow something outside its normal growing conditions we need to make adjustments to help the plants. Once we get the balance right for our individual environments then they will do well.

Funny but when I first started growing orchids I tried growing Masdevallias in full sun during a hot Australian summer.........I am sure you can guess how that experiment turned out..........

;-)

[shakkai]

I can only imagine!

I think when we grow something outside its normal growing conditions we need to make adjustments to help the plants. Once we get the balance right for our individual environments then they will do well.

This is so true! And I think this is what we are all striving to do.

It is a good lesson, though. Strong air movement, high humidity, and relatively low light - mine only just reach 1000fc. - seems to be a good combination.

The hybrids that I have, however, grow and flower amazingly well on the window sill of a west facing window. The humidity there is somewhat lower, and the window isn't open, so they don't get the breeze either. So they are doing well with higher temps (not much below 65), lower humidity (sometimes dropping to 60%), higher light (~2000fc. sometimes maybe more), and less air circulation. I think the hybrids are a lot more tolerant of less than good conditions.

Which reminds me... Dorothy!

(sorry , Sue, I've hijacked your thread and was about to combine it with two others to see how Tindo & Dorothy are doing with their Masdies!)

[cb977]

Hijack away!

[shakkai]

Well...with Sue's generous permission! - ain't she great?! (and as I couldn't find the thread about Dorothy's new Masdies....)

D, how are your new babies settling in?

Tin, have you decided what you are going to do with your tovarensis?