Malaxis excavata

Also known as: The Hollowed Malaxis or Malaxis hastilabia Malaxis carpinterae Malaxis uncinata Malaxis hastilabia var. major Malaxis sertulifera Malaxis ottonis Malaxis hastilabia ssp. caracasana Cheiropterocephalus sertuliferus Cheiropterocephalus sertulifer Microstylis sertulifera Malaxis caracasana Microstylis hastilabia var. major Microstylis spiralipetala Microstylis quadrangularis Microstylis hastilabia Microstylis ottonis Microstylis muelleri Microstylis caracasana Microstylis paranaensis Microstylis carpinterae in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Argentina Departamento del Huila - Colombia Mexico

General Information

The Hollowed Malaxis is a small cold to warm growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Argentina, Colombia and Mexico.

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn

Blooming Season

• Autumn

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

These orchids thrive in cool, conditions with good airflow. When cultivated they will thrive in a cool, sheltered environment such as a shaded greenhouse, or if grown in cooler climates they can be grown in the garden in areas where they are protected from frost and receive shade throughout the year, though they may be able to tolerate some morning sun during winter.

Grows at high elevations.

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.