Masdevallia buchtienii
General Information
Masdevallia buchtienii is a sympodial cold growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 11-30cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 3.5-7.5cm long
Flowers
Numerous blossoms appear during Summer and Autumn
Blooming Season
- Autumn
- Summer
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Bark
- Treefern
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
Climate
Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 114mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in November. Humidity ranges from 36% to 53%, highest in July and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 6C to 24C, highest in May (11C to 24C) and lowest in January (6C to 22C).
Watering
These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.
Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydrationFertiliser
These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.
If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.
Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.Potting
Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.
