Maxillaria tenuifolia Bare root

[larrylwill]

I ordered a Maxillaria tenuifolia with 10 bulbs but it will be shipped bare root. I never planted a bare root orchid before. How do I prepare it for planting. I assume I should use a coarse bark mix.
thank you

[Silje]

Hello!

Could you please take a picture and post it here once the plant arrives, before (and maybe just after) you've planted it? Would like to see how the root system of a healthy plant is supposed to look.

I love max. tenuifolia, but I struggle with the roots somehow, and thus the bulbs get shriveled and the whole thing just looks kinda miserable.

[larrylwill]

I should have it by Wed next week. I have a Sherry Baby that I got last year that is about 5 times the size when I git it. I just re-potted it. No spike yet but Im hoping soon.

Yes I will take picts for you.

[Lagoon]

Welcome to the OB forums, Larry

I have found max tens are real water loaders, love to stay moist during the growing season.Then less during the cooler months.

I have grown these in peatmoss & corse sponge rok (large perlite) They also did very well in sphagnum moss with added bark.

[larrylwill]

What I don't know is how to prepare a bare root one for ptoting. I assume I should soake iy in something before potting?

[keithrs]

I like moss in unglazed clay pots myself for bareroot plants. The key is to keep the plant warm and humid with good air movement.

This thread will give you an idea on how to make a "humidity dome" for your recovering plants.
struggle with low humidity

[larrylwill]

I have all my Orchids in a new room I built facing NW with all windows on that side. I open the windows but also have air condition comming in but it cant return to the system and a ceiling fan. So it stays around 80 on a 90 degree day and whatever the night temps get to 60-70 with 50% and up humidity. In the winter I can close the windows and warm it during the day and let it get colder during the night. There is plenty of Un direct light except in the very late afternoon when the sun gets orange I get some direct but filtered either through a double double thermal window or a window screen.

[WhiteRabbit]

I soak bare root plants when I get them - just water - certainly some fertilizer and/or rooting hormones can't hurt.

If using bark, pre-soak it at least overnight prior to use. Fresh bark chips do not hold moisture long, and will need more frequent water for the first couple of months.

I don't grow this plant, but sounds like you have got some good info regarding potting mix and watering for it.

good luck and let us know how it goes!