[Guest]

Decided to just go for it and mount the orchids I planned on putting in there. Right now I'm just going to focus on keeping plants. Here's a shot (excuse the scratches in the glass, etc.):

 

[Ryan]

What type of orchids are those? Masdevilla?

 

[Guest]

Yeah. I REALLY wish I knew what they were, but I received them as a gift without tags and the person (who didn't really know) didn't have any info for me regarding where they got them, etc. As far as I can tell, they look almost exactly like M. tovarensis when in bloom, so my best guess is that I have a hybrid of that species. I've sent frags from these plants to a few folks and they seem to be doing well, so it might be a cross of tovarensis and maybe a more warmth-tolerant species. However, the blooms of these plants are crystalline white, so I have no idea what plant they could have been crossed with that would have left the blossoms so white. I think even M. floribunda tends to have some cream tones to the blooms.

Anyway, hope that answered your question. :?

I'd like to get some moss growing on the branches and a few broms and/or ferns, and then just let things fill in all over the place. Any suggestions for species that would do alright in cooler conditions (60-70*F)?

 

[mbrutger]

how much water/light do you give your orchids (Masdevilla?) i have one and it isn't doing that well, which is really frustrating me because all of my other orchids are doing REALLY well...

 

[Guest]

The majority of Masdies come from cloudforests. Since they grow in high elevations, they need to be grown cooler than most orchids. They also need plenty of humidity but also decent air movement. All these factors need to be in place for them to do well. For most of them, you don't need tons of light (mine are putting multiple new leaves out each week under two 4' shoplights; have done the same under less lighting). It helps to know what species you have, then figure out where it comes from and cater your culturing to that: http://www.orchidspecies.com

They are nearly all epiphytic, and I have had the best success growing them potted in loose sphagnum moss. Keep it damp, but not soaked, otherwise you'll have some rot problem. This is where air movement falls into play as well. I'm assuming you aren't giving it the cool conditions it prefers. Are leaves dropping or shriveling?

 

[mbrutger]

they turn yellow, rot, and then eventually fall off

 

[Guest]

Yeah, it's not happy at all. What kind of temps and culture are you providing it?

It shouldn't really be exposed to temps over 80*F (65-75* being MUCH more preferred. Much time spent in warmer temps will pretty much seal its demise). You also need a nighttime temperature drop of around 10*...so somwhere down to 55*F or so. If you happen to have a window A/C unit or central air, you could try to setup a small tank or enclosure near the unit or duct. Put a light over the tank, and a small layer of gravel on the bottom with some water. Partially cover the top of the tank, but leave some space for air to circulate. Spray the tank in the morning with some RO/DI or distilled water (I assume this is what you're using to water it, right?). Also, using fertilizers with this alliance can burn plants as well...I would shy away from it.

Any idea as to what species you have in your care?

 

[mbrutger]

no, unfortunately it was just sold to me as "Masd." It has pinkish purple flowers... I definately agre, it is NOT happy.

 

[Guest]

Like a tree frog!

:lol:

 

[Ryan]

Yeah, it's not happy at all. What kind of temps and culture are you providing it?

It shouldn't really be exposed to temps over 80*F (65-75* being MUCH more preferred.

Can't generalize like that, because several masdevilla are warm growing. Thats why its always important to try and find out the specific species you are purchasing. Although many do require cool tempetures.

 

[Guest]

True...but I figured the species ID wasn't available, and the VAST majority of masdies prefer cooler temps over those that can tolerate (or even like) warmer ones. I figured if leaves are dropping, the best step is to put it somewhere cooler and raise humidity.

 

[roberthvalera]

So how did this turn out?

 

[Guest]

Oh wow...it didn't. I tried a couple different layouts and it didn't really turn out. Plus, with the cooler temps that I was achieving down in the basement, the montane species that would have been most comfortable were pretty terrestrial (Epips, etc.) and it wouldn't have really been all that conducive to their habits and preferences.

I did end up IDing the orchid, though: Masdevallia Snowbird.

 

[roberthvalera]

Did you tear down the tank? Did the orchids survive?

 

[Guest]

Yeah, I tore it down (which wasn't hard because I never really did much beyond the initial branches/moss/orchids). The orchids did great...but I traded them out with other orchid keepers.