Hi All

[_cor]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Cory and I live in Selby, which is a small suburb in the Dandenong ranges outer Melbourne

I have been growing Orchids for about 10 years. I am a members of Ringwood OS and Yarra Valley. I am also a OSCOV Student judge.

I grow mostly Masdevallia's and a few miniature cyms. Plus a few extra bits and pieces.

cor

[Anton]

Welcome to the "Family" Cory, there's quite a few of us Ozzies here on the forum.

[fred]

Hi Cory
welcome to the forum.
I hope that you enjoy your stay with us.
My name is fred and I live in Tasmania.
Selby hmm a very nice place.
When I was a kid I grew up in Ringwood.
Do you have any pics of your orchids ?
we love pics.

[_cor]

Hi Anton & Fred,

I take heaps of picture when ever i'm at a show or when visiting!

Mostly Masdies and Cym's.

If i can work out the whole picture posting thing i'll post some for everyone!

cor

[fred]

hi Cory
If you have any probs with loading and posting pics you can either post your question or you can ask one of the Staff Members via a pm for help.
enjoy

[arleneg]

Hi & welcome to the forum, Cory.

I can hardly wait to see pics of your Masd. and Cym.

[_cor]

Thanks for the welcome!

I'll put a few pics up this weekend. Unfortunately I have to do work at work today. Getting close to the end of the month.

cor

[fred]

Hi cor
how are the pics comeing along ?
do you have an update for us ?
happy snapping

[_cor]

Just having a test run.

Only two. One of Cym. Funny Face, which I just liked. Not the best picture. It was taken late at night.

Second is a close up of Masd. Harlequin "Copperfield". Harlequin is a bit hard to grow. It seems to be doing well, its flowers and then seems to go down hill! I however keep trying

Wish me luck!

cor

[fred]

Hi cor
the pics are pretty good
well done with them

[Anton]

Thanks Cory I had never heard of Masdevallia before.

I looked then up and found Mt Beenbak Orchids who grow them in the Yarra Valley. Is that where you got yours ?

Gee some of those stiped versions are magnificent.
I want, I want, I want..........

[flowerchild]

Cory, beautiful orchids!!! I have been trying to grow masdevillia with no success! I am told they like cool, should I put in my basement window as it is about 10 degree cooler there then anywhere else in the house. I have both an east and a west window ledge there as well. My second masd. is not dead yet, I see a little sign of a new shoot but feel there should be more, any suggestions as to what I should do with it, besides rescue and send it to you!!!! thanks for any info and advice you can offer. Cindy

[fred]

just a little information for you.



Masdevallia Culture

Masdevallias form the largest percentage of the genus Pleurothallis. The compact growing and sometimes colorful plants are found in a wide range of geographical locations starting in Mexico through South America. The climates that Masdevallias are found vary widely.

To generalize the culture of these jewels of the orchid world would be a profound injustice to their cultural habit. At Carter & Holmes we are forced to grow under extremely high humidity and very high heat. We have found some modest success controlling light and air movement during our sizzling summers.

Temperature: To maintain the relatively stress free climate throughout the year, try to attain a night temperature of between 55 degrees to 60 degrees and a daytime temperature of 75 degrees to 80 degrees.

Moisture: Water and humidity play a vital roll in good masdevallia culture. This group of orchids does not have pseudobulbs for storage of water and nutrition. Maintenance of a high humidity of 70% is vital. Good to excellent water quality is critical for good root formation. We can not stress these points more. Light amounts of fertilizer and ½ to ¼ strength every third time the plant is watered is beneficial.

Soil: WIt is critical to maintain a somewhat moist root system. Accidental drying of the medium is not harmful if you are experiencing low night temperatures. One of the drawbacks of maintaining such a moist root system is rapid breakdown of the potting medium. Frequent repotting is necessary. There are many mixes that are used for repotting. At Carter & Holmes we found Chilean sphagnum used exclusively in pots larger that 1-1/2" or 2" will sour and cause root loss. (Again, our high heat and humidity).

We use a mix as follows:

6 parts clean 1/8" x ¼" douglas fir bark
1 part sponge rock (#3 perlite)
1 part medium tree fern shredded
¾ part ground New Zealand or Chilean Sphagnum
1/3 part horticultural perlite
(Note: We only sell the components of this mix.)

Light and air movement go together and can work for or against the plants culture if not properly balanced. In nature this group of orchids experience medium to low light with good to almost rapid air movement. The rule of thumb here is the more light the greater the air movement. Up to 1500-foot candles is fine.

[kmarch]

Hi Anton (and other readers as well),

Masdevallias are one of the more popular members of the Pleurothalid alliance. Masdevallias come from South America where many of them grow in the cloud forests of the Andes. they are generally cool growers but some can be grown well warmer and some of the hybrids can be grown warmer. Some folks I know here in Melbourne grow them in shade houses with no heat. They like the cooler temps and bloom better when kept cool. they also like moisture. Mine gets watered about every 3rd or 4th day and I try to keep as much humidity around it as possible. They are generally noted for their vivid, wild colouration and/or impish unusual flowers. I have a nice little cracker of a Masdevallia (Kara's Delight x Red Star) I bought from Mt Beenak last year at the Melbourne Flower & Garden Show that I think is potentially award quality if I can get a good blooming out of it. It was in bloom when I bought it and has bloomed 3 times since then, in only one year. I've attached 2 pics of it from its best blooming so far late last year.

I'd grow lots of these if i had the space and conditions. They're infectious and can make stunning displays when they put up multiple flowers.

Here's a link to the website of a former judging colleague of mine from the US. http://www.pleurothallids.com/ Lynn has wone over 100 awards (almost all with Pleuros) from the American Orchid Society and is probably one of the top 5 or so growers of Pleuros including Masdevallias. The Pleurothallid Alliance is dedicated to information, education, and cultivation of the orchids found in the Pleurothallid aliance. their website can be found at: http://www.pleurothallids.com/The_Pl...d_Alliance.htm

Both sites contain LOTS of great photos too.

BTW, Mt Beenak is a good vendor. I've bought form them.

Cheers

[Anton]

Cory,
Do you think they would go OK here in Adelaide outside, or are they a bit more finiky and need to be babied a bit more than that and need to be inside ?

[arleneg]

Cor,

Thanks for sharing your Cym and Masd pics. Now, I want the Masd. Harlequin 'Copperfield'! However, I'm a bit hesistant since I have yet to see if I'm successful in growing Masdevallias. I have three (warm tolerant ones) in my collection...so far, doing fine. But I sure could use some growing tips from someone successful (like you ) in growing Masd.

[_cor]

Hi All,

I'll write a bit more later but i got all excited and went out and took a couple this morning. Only 7am! I'm strange!

This is Masd. Red Sun "Cornish"

Ill login at work later!

cor

[fred]

thankyou for the links to the pics cor.
Your Masd are very nice.
Log in at work ( lol ) I hope the boss does not find out but then again we can always try to convert your boss into joining orchid geeks.