Masdevallia filaria in bloom
 

I really want to grow some Masdies, so I got this one ( thought it was so cute). I really hope this one will make it; right now about half the flower buds abort- any tips?
Thanks for looking.

Knowing your culture would be useful and have you read about it's needs? I love the blooms as well.

I have read and been told that they need air movement. My hirtzii has bloomed before then this winter it started blasting it's buds. I am thinking it may have been the air. I'm still not sure however.

Sorry, I grow it in a "cookie jar" type terrarium, spray well with rainwater as soon as the live moss on top feels dry (about every 3 days), temp. max this time of year is 68F (20C) and min. 65F (18C).
The bottom of the jar is filled with gravel for drainage and I always try to have it a bit wet for extra humidity. I had my setup on a windowsill for a while, and I'm thinking that the morning sun might have been too strong. I'm not sure the air movement is enough- should I set up a mini-fan?

I'm going to say Yes. I myself am still working on this species. I have a mini fan I have been running on mine and if the wind blows it come's into the window. Yes my house is not so very air tight.

I have a couple I have to water every day. I am a slave to these Masde's, why do I want them? Oh and I have a humidifier running 24/7 over the top of them that I have to fill twice a day.....holy cow I'm dumb. :rofl:

I applaud your persistence then ;).
I'm starting easy with just one (killed micro-mini last year) and I'll see how it goes. Wish me luck: I have a nini-fan, heating mat and a small LED plant light at my disposal in hope this one will make it.

Well thanks, but I'm not sure I do. I do wish you luck, mine hasn't been all bad I have bloomed 3 now. So there not totally unhappy.

Congrats on your efforts, and thank you for the well wishes. I think my Masdie is doing better off the windowsill, so I'm guessing it was a tad too hot there (there are more flower buds growing out that seem fine).

[QUOTE=ula;747175]Congrats on your efforts, and thank you for the well wishes. I think my Masdie is doing better off the windowsill, so I'm guessing it was a tad too hot there (there are more flower buds growing out that seem fine).[/QUOTE

Good for you. do post pictures when it blooms. I have just noticed a new thing starting on my spike that's blooming on my Redwing. I need to post pictures of them.

Keep in mind that with the mini fan your humidity may drop drastically, and you may have to step up your watering schedule. Cool growers tend to need a significant night temperature drop, and Masdevallia filaria is listed as a cool-cold grower. That may be why the buds are blasting.