Masdevallia mataxa
Also known as: The Silky Masdevallia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Ecuador
General Information
The Silky Masdevallia is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador. The name refers to the pubescent synsepal.
Plant Description
Grows to 1-9cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 1.5-8cm 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 3mm to 53mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 12C to 25C, highest in June (13C to 25C) and lowest in May (12C to 23C).
Watering
These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.
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.
