How hard are they to grow and bloom? - Orchid Board

Maree · #1 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 10:39 PM

Masdevallia - must I have a green house or special set-up? Thanks for any responses or insight.

RosieC · #2 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 05:22 AM

I'm trying to grow one on my windowledge but don't know how successful I will be yet.

The main problem for me is that the one I have (veitchianna) needs really cool temps which is hard to give in a house. I have one room I'm keeping cold with it's door to the rest of the house kept shut and it's window open.

You would probably find that one of the warmth tolerant ones would do better if you wanted to grow without any special setup.

They also need high humidity. That's quite high anyway where I live although I'm still getting signs of dehydration on mine (I think I've been underwatering).

I'm afraid that until I've had mine more than a couple of months I can't really advise whether this is possible long term.

Maree · #3 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 09:58 AM

Thanks Rosie,
I get the feeling it would not do well in my current conditions. I spoke with Gin last night and she said the same thing and also they are picky about water - either rain or RO. Thanks so much. I will have to look for a different challenge.

Donald · #4 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 11:22 AM

I have four of the cooler tolerant masdies that thrive during the fall,winter and spring in a sunroom that gets southern exposure. The temps vary from 60 to 75. They are planted in a combo mix of sphagnum and bark and are not watered until they are nearly dry. All are currently in bloom. It's probably me and living in Massachusetts but I've never had good luck with the warmer tolerant species. Enjoy

cirillonb · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 11:58 AM

I have several growing and a few blooming under lights in a temp controlled apartment about 70 to 75 deg F. Some of my friends cannot grow in greenhouses because the summer temp gets too high.
Nick

dr_dmd · #6 (**permalink**) 10-18-2009, 12:58 PM

I have lots of luck with my masdies inmy greenhouse... I grow in sphagnum moss, keep the humitiy high, etc... I used to grow in my house at the windowsill - the only masdies I could grow there were good strong hybrids, but not the species - they are more temp tolerant, and with a hunidity tray, grwoing in moss, I got a couple to bllom. My advice - if you must grow in your house (do try!!) choose nice hybrids! Also, check out Mary Gerritsen & Ron Parson's book on Masdevallias - outstanding - here is a link on Amazon so you can see what it is: Amazon.com: Masdevallias: Gems of the Orchid World (9780881927375): Mary E. Gerritsen, Ron Parsons: Books

enjoy, and happy growing!
Don in CA

Ross · #7 (**permalink**) 10-18-2009, 02:26 PM

I grow Masdies in my bay window with great success. I run 2 small fans 24/7 as they like rather constant air movement. While cool is best, many will tolerate temps up to low 80s (blooming might suffer at higher temps, though.) Go for it! Masdies rock!

Maree · #8 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 02:35 PM

Ok, I will try. Wish me luck. Thanks -Mel

RosieC · #9 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 03:41 PM

Great choice. I love the colour.

Grandma M · #10 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 02:51 PM

Beautiful plants. Good luck to you upon growing them.

Keep us posted as to how they are doing.

I grow indoors and have decided to try them also. Believe it or not, I have kept a couple of them alive for over about 6 weeks. I haven't killed them them yet.

I agree with Don, I bought the book - - Amazon.com: Masdevallias: Gems of the Orchid World (9780881927375): Mary E. Gerritsen, Ron Parsons:

It is fantastic. There is so much usable info in there. I already have lot of things underlined, and put sticky page markers on important pages. For me, it falls in the 'important books to buy' list.

Marilyn