Masdevallia synthesis

Also known as: The Compounding Masdevallia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Compounding Masdevallia is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. The name refers to its possible hybrid origins.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 2-23cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, elliptic, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-15cm long

Flowers

A single blossom appears 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 0mm to 201mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 62% to 81%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 11C to 27C, highest in March (15C to 27C) and lowest in January (11C to 24C).

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.

During Spring, be sure to keep media moist. 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.