Uh-oh!!! Masdie problem!!!

[cb977]

I'm starting to think my cool-growing terrarium Masdie experiment isn't going very well

The Masd schroederiana has started dropping leaves. They aren't turning colors or looking bad but all of a sudden, they're dropping!

I've been able to keep the temps where they should be in the daytime but the night temps aren't getting down quite into the area suggested. Would this cause leaf drop? I thought it might just affect whether I could get this baby to bloom

I'm keeping it misted and fed, the fan is going, the ice-pack is replaced twice a day, it's in a shaded area...

what am I doing wrong?

The Masd rolfeana seems happy

[gmdiaz]

My supposedly cool growing Masd's actually hated being cool and preferred being warmer. The leaves looked green, didn't turn yellow but would pull right out at the slightest touch! I think the cool temps and moist medium did it in. I lost it.

My other Masd "Celtic Frost" perked up once I adapted it to more intermediate temps. It's not flourishing with total vigor but it is doing well. There may have been just a little too much light. I've made adjustments and am waiting to see if that does the trick.

Maybe try ditching the ice packs. . .let it warm up a little?

[cb977]

Thanks a lot, Gwen! Now I really have a dilemma!!!
The other one is doing really well in the same tank!


I will take your advice and maybe raise the temps a little...but I did read that the schroederiana REALLY hates warmth.

Wish me luck

[gmdiaz]

Or maybe reduce the ice packs (a smaller one or just one) and put it on the schroederiana side?

[cb977]

I'm thinking I'll go back to a few water bottles instead of the pack.

The rolfeana can adapt to more intermediate temps...
I was only kidding when I said "thanks for the dilemma"

[gmdiaz]

Sounds like a good plan!

It can't really be the light, or the moisture, right? So it has to be temp? Too cool with the constant air flow?

What do your other Masd growers think?

[cb977]

It's exactly as you described...they just drop at the slightest touch

Well, it's an experiment right? So, we'll see what happens. Thanks for your help, Gwen

[Tindomul]

Possibly too much moisture? My M. tovarensis after surviving for almost a year is suddenly dropping leaves. Im thinking its too wet. Nothing to do with temps.

[euplusia]

Leaf dropping occurs after being stressed, either by heat or cold.
Your description makes me believe that the temperature was too chilly. Remember that Masd. schroederiana is from Costa Rica, growing at 1800 - 2000 meters. So it is an intermediate species, and grows not as cold as the Andean Masdevallias, but is not renowned to be a difficult grower.
Check the roots! Do they look healthy and white? Was repotting done once or twice a year? Water quality must be good. Some species are sensitive to fertilizing if growing temperature is too low or too high for the particular species.
Allow to dry slightly between watering and misting, avoid constant wet conditions. And do not force them to get into bloom - they will do when the season comes, normally in springtime for Masd. schroederiana.
The good news: Masdevallias can recover quickly once they feel comfortable.
Good luck.

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[gmdiaz]

I think I kept mine a little too wet & a little too cold. And of course I fertilized too. Making additional adjustments for 'Celtic Frost'. Thanks Tind & euplusia!

What do you all find to be the best medium for Masds?