Masdevallia

Masdevallia is the most voluminous genus of the orchid family; it includes over five hundred species of plants of small dimensions. These species grow in rocky and stony areas, by attaching to another plant and in the soil. Although this genus includes quite a few species, their habitat is not large. In its natural growth environment, the Masdevallia orchid is found in Mexico, Bolivia, the Republics of Colombia and Peru, in the Andean Cordillera mountain range, as well as off the Pacific coast in Ecuador.

A distinctive feature of the representatives of Masdevallia orchids in comparison with other orchids is a shorter creeping rhizome, a thin false bulb, and an underdeveloped leaf of a marsh-green color is formed at its end, in addition there are differences in the shape of a flower characteristic of the genus. A flowering shoot is formed at the base of the false bulb, with a racemose inflorescence or a single flower. Three large sepals and one small petal make up the corolla. The "Sepala" (sepal) of most species is fused at the base, in 90% of cases, the consequence of this feature is the formation of a tube. But when this is taken into account, the ends of the sepal are represented by long filamentous processes. The only visually distinguishable petal is the "lip", it can be in the form of a tongue and be quite small in size, completely closed in the pharynx. The representatives of Masdevallia also have two true petals, but they are very small and not noticeable. There are species with pronounced zygomorphic flowers. The color and size of the sepals depends on the particular Masdevallia orchid species. The flowering period is about a month, there are rare data on a longer flowering.

Orchid Masdevallia: photo

Masdevallia: home care

Each of the representatives of the Masdevallia species requires an individual approach to care at home growing. All cultivation features are associated with the natural growth conditions of a particular flower. Some flowers prefer a lot of light, and some prefer less light and more moisture, some need a cool temperature, and some need vice versa. Nevertheless, the most popular species among gardeners have approximately the same rules of care.

Illumination.

Masdevallia orchid is a light-loving culture. Prefers bright, diffused light. It is important to remember that direct sunlight should not be allowed, this can lead to burns. When choosing a place where a pot with a plant will stand, give preference to the east or west side of the house. But there is not always the possibility of such a choice, therefore, placing the flower on the north side, add illumination, on the south, create protection from the sun. Additional lighting is needed for Masdevallia orchids in all four placement options in the fall and winter seasons, while it is important to create a ten to twelve hour day for culture.

Temperature conditions.

Most Masdevallia orchids prefer cool growing conditions. When growing a flower indoors, it is necessary to observe daily temperature drops. Thus, it is worth adhering to the following temperature ranges:

• Summer. Day from 15 to 23 ° C. Night from 10 to 18 ° C.
• In winter, the time must be adhered to 10 - 15 ° C

Quite often, representatives of the Masdevallia orchid are taken out into the open air, for example, a balcony or into a garden, but this can be done only after the established warm weather and the absence of frost. After moving the plant to fresh air, choose a shady area for it, this will protect it from direct sunlight.

Orchid Masdevallia: photo

The soil.

Masdevallia flowers are grown mainly in pots. When choosing a container, give preference to transparent plastic. In ceramics, holes are already provided for good air exchange of the root system; in plastic, you will have to make them yourself. The pot is filled with coniferous bark, it must be broken by hand, since the size of the fragments will directly depend on the root system of the flower. Large roots - large pieces and vice versa. It is recommended to add peat moss to the bark, but the plant can grow normally without it. Moss helps to inhibit the evaporation of moisture, for this it is spread on the soil surface.

The masdevallia orchid flower can be grown in blocks that are made from the same pine bark, only they are used in larger sizes than those that fit in a pot. With this variant of planting, a pillow is prepared from sphagnum moss, and the root shoots are distributed and fixed on the surface of the block. The root surface is covered with peat moss.

Irrigation scheme.

Masdevallia orchid should be watered often and with plenty of not hard and clean water, the temperature of which should be at room temperature. Experienced growers advise to moisten the soil by immersion. To do this, take a container 2 - 3 times larger than the one in which the flower grows, fill it with water and lower the pot (block) into it for fifteen minutes, this time is enough for the culture to be saturated with moisture. The flower can also be treated with hot water (40 - 45 degrees), watering it from the top of the head from a watering can or, if the hardness of the shower water allows. After completing all the procedures to moisturize the plant, return it to the main growing area.

The irrigation scheme should be systematic, do not allow the bark to completely dry out, since the roots of the representatives of "Masdevallia" do not have spongy tissue and cannot retain water. Aim for the middle ground, as excess water will lead to rot.

Air humidity.

Orchid Masdevallia: photo

Air humidity and air temperature go hand in hand. The hotter it is in the room, the higher the humidity level should be. For example, at the peak of the summer heat, the humidity should be about 90%, in the autumn and winter periods, 50% will be enough.

In the modern world, there is a huge selection of tools that allow you to regulate the level of humidity in the room, but the best among them for growing Masdevallia is a special device called the Orchidarium. In addition to all of the above, do not skip the procedure for spraying with water at room temperature, the green mass of the plant.

Miniature representatives of the Masdevallia orchid are often grown in compact, hanging orchidariums, this greatly facilitates the whole process of flower care.

Transfer.

The Masdevallia orchid is transplanted for the following reasons:

• The plant does not have enough space in the pot.
• If the substrate has come to a state not suitable for flower growth.
• The transplant is performed after the flowering period has passed.

Nutrition and fertilization.

The plant is fed once a month, plus or minus a week. Fertilize Masdevallia with specialized formulations, strictly following the instructions on the package. Complexes for orchids are also suitable, but 1/3 of the dosage indicated on the pack is used. Fertilizer is applied to the roots and by spraying, dissolving the composition in water.

Orchid Masdevallia: photo

Reproduction.

Growing the Masdevallia orchid in room conditions, the plant is propagated by the method of division. The scheme of the process is approximately the same for all plants, an adult, overgrown, healthy bush is divided into parts.

Pests and diseases.

The best prevention against diseases and pests for Masdevallia will be the correct and appropriate care for this type of orchid, so your flower will have good immunity.

If the necessary temperature standards are not observed, the regime and irrigation rules are violated, with an excess of water or dry soil, the plant can be susceptible to fungal diseases, which in turn will serve as provocateurs of the formation of rot or stains on the foliage.

Direct rays of light on the green mass of the plant can provoke burns.

The most common types of Masdevallia

On the territory of our country, the Masdevallia orchid is still gaining its popularity and distribution among gardeners. But among the variety of species, you can always find something of your own.

Masdevallia "Tovarskaya" or "tovarensis"

Orchid Masdevallia Tovarskaya: photo

Today it is the leader in popularity in this culture. This plant grows on the north and northwest coast of South America. The place for its development chooses the breaks of the bark of trees or their crown. The leaf plates are obovate and slightly elongated and have a characteristic addition in the center. The flowering shoot is formed on a retracted stem and is located above the level of the orchid, its length reaches fifteen centimeters. The racemose inflorescence is made up of almost transparent flowers, white in color (2-7 per piece) with pronounced dense veins. The zygomorphic flower consists of two large sepals, which are almost completely fused with each other, the only areas separate from each other are located below and go into long processes. Another sepal component of the flower is located at the top, it is tiny in size, but with an elongated filamentous process, its direction may be curved back or directed vertically upward, completely covering the bottom of the flower. The total length from the sepals to the end of the appendix is ​​three centimeters. The aroma of the flower is not bright and poorly expressed.

"Fiery red" or "Masdevallia ignea".

Orchid Masdevallia Ignea: photo

The view of Ignay's Masdevallia can be safely called the most attractive and impressive. The homeland of this species is the large mountain system of the Cordillera Oriental. The leaf plates of Masdevallia ignea are not of the same shape from elongated - oval to elliptically oblong, towards the base the leaves become wedge-shaped. Peduncles grow much higher than the plant itself and reach a length of about thirty-five centimeters, at the end of which there is a single large flower no more than eight centimeters in diameter. The shape of the flower is zygomorphic. There are two sepals in the flower, located at the bottom and their area is spliced ​​together by 50%, an oval shape of unequal sizes with not strong pointed tips at the end. In accordance with the name of the species, the flowers of Masdevallia Ignea are bright red with four wide orange stripes. The third filiform sepal, which makes up the flower, is located at the top and looks only downward. We can say that it lies on the flower and covers the pharynx.

Masdevallia "Glandulose" or "Glandular".

Orchid Masdevallia Glandlulose: photo

Masdevallia Glandulose is a resident of Peru and the Republic of Ecuador. It has characteristic obovate leaf plates with an obviously elongated base. Peduncles are not large in size, stretching up to four centimeters, and their leaves are twice as long. Masdevallia Glandulose is a creeping plant, the peduncles are located above the rosette, which allows you to see single bell-shaped flowers. The calyx is distributed in three axes of three sepals accreted to each other by 80%. The teeth are quite wide open, their shape resembles an acute triangle, as they end in thin tails, which can be located both at the level of and above the sepals. The lip is hidden in the tube and is practically invisible visually.The outer part of the sepals is creamy pink in color, with lemon tails and a surface inside the tube. The inner side is covered with many small, convex balls (glands) of light lilac color. Such a flower, due to its color, is noticeable from fairly long distances. The species received its name precisely for this feature.

This representative of Masdevallia not only has a bright and memorable appearance, but also has a pleasant smell reminiscent of a mixture of cloves and spices. It is Masdevallia Glandulose that is recognized as the most fragrant flower among similar species.

"Triangular" or "triangularis".

Orchid Masdevallia Triangular: photo

In terms of growth, it is similar to Masdevallia Glandulose, but apart from Ecuador and Peru, it is also found on the northern and northwestern coast of South America. The flowering shoot extends just above the foliage and reaches from beginning to end about fifteen centimeters. Like most orchids, the flowers are zygomorphic and consist of three triangular sepals, which are 50% fused together. Two sepals are located at the bottom, and their tops are pulled downward under the weight of filiform elongated tails. It is at the lower sepals that the "tail" is directed upwards. The diameter of the flower, including sepals and tails, is quite large and can reach seventeen centimeters. It is bright lemon in color, and has characteristic pomegranate stripes located in the center of the sepal. In addition, the surface of the sepal is covered with dots of the same color. The lip is practically hidden in the pharynx and is not noticeable even if it is fully disclosed. The tails are colored brown - crimson.

This species cannot be called fragrant in any way, its flowers emit a strong smell of rot.

"Masdevallia Solnechnaya"

Orchid Masdevallia Solar: photo

The homeland of Solar Masdevallia is South America, namely Peru, the locals call it that, the name "Davis" is also known. Such a name was given to Davis for a bright lemon-yellow color. The flower consists of three sepals, two of which are wide lance-shaped, located below, like the above described species, two-thirds accrete, with characteristic "horns" at the ends. The third sepal is triangular in shape, habitually located on top, not large in size, tapering from base to end to the thickness of the thread. Flowers with a bright smell, single, reaching five centimeters in diameter and located on elongated peduncles twenty-five centimeters long.

"Andreettaeana".

Orchid Masdevallia: photo

Masdevallia Orchid — compact plant with very attractive appearance. It came to our latitudes from the eastern sides of the two republics of Peru and Ecuador. "Rosula" or speaking in Russian "rosette", not large in size from three to five centimeters, consists of sheet plates. Their shape resembles an elongated circle with an extension in the center of the sheet. The petiole is softly pointed. A three-centimeter peduncle, bears a single flower, snow-white, rather large for such a miniature flower, its diameter also reaches 3 cm.The two sepals located below, in contrast to the above-described species, are 100% spliced. Their shape is a triangle with two equal sides, where the acute upper corner is bent to the outside, and at the ends there are tails stretched out in a thick thread. The upper sepal is smaller in comparison with the lower ones; it hangs half over the calyx. Its tail is rather long, significantly curved back and tightly pressed to the flower from the outside. A special individuality for this species is created by glands located in huge numbers on the inner surface of the sepals. They create the effect of "fur" it seems that the flower is fleecy and soft, and the sepals resemble "fur pads" of miniature size."Andreettaeana" has its own individual feature in the form of obvious, not large, real lemon-colored petals emerging from the open throat, while the lip is about the same size and looks like a tongue.

"Masdevallia Yezhovaya" or "erinacea"

Orchid Masdevallia Ezhova: photo

Masdewallia prefers moist areas, both in terms of air and soil, and is native to Panama, Ecuador, Colombia and Costa Rica. This species is another representative of miniature Masdevallia, its dimensions are about 4–5 centimeters. Narrow belt-like leaf plates, and the peduncles stretch almost two and a half times above them and reach four to seven centimeters. The circumference of the corolla is one and a half centimeters and there is a single flower in it. "Erinacea" has three sepals completely fused with each other, they form a calyx with a small tongue and three filiform outgrowths. The outgrowths are 50% of their length painted in marsh-white, and the second half becomes an oblong elliploid of bright lemon color. The outer side of the corolla is yellow, and the inner side has a frequent burgundy spot. The entire surface of the flower is covered with protruding glands that look like hairs.

Masdevallia Orchid: flower video