Masdevallia soennemarkii

Also known as: Sonnemark's Masdevallia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

Sonnemark's Masdevallia is a sympodial cool growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. It is named after the Swedish Codiscoverer of species.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 1.5-14.5cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, elliptic leaves that grow to 2-12cm long

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer and Autumn

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 20mm to 150mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 63% to 78%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 3C to 20C, highest in June (10C to 20C) and lowest in January (3C to 12C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

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. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

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.