MAXILLARIA TENUIFOLIA
The Maxillaria (max-ill-AIR-ee-uh tenuifolia is nicknamed the coconut orchid, for its tropical fragrance. You’ll love this orchid because its watering and temperature needs remain constant year-round and they can be grown in a bright windowsill – though they do prefer high humidity.
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TEMPERATURE
Warm (70°-80° F/21°-26.7°C) to intermediate temperatures (55°-60°F/13°-15.6° C). Never allow temperatures for this orchid to drop below 50°F/10°C.
LIGHT
These orchids enjoy bright light (1800-2000 fc) and can be grown on a windowsill, under lights, or in a greenhouse. Grow you Max. tenuifolia with your Phalaenopsis in a windowsill. If it fails to bloom, give it more light.
HUMIDITY
Max. tenuifolia orchids enjoy high humidity levels, between 50-80%. So, if you are a windowsill grower, keep humidity in mind. Use a humidifier if necessary and a fan set to low to provide air movement. Home growers: remember 50% is the maximum recommendation. Easily track humidity levels with a humidistat.
WATER
Water year-round, no need to diminish water in winter. Water when the potting media is dry, or almost dry. Avoid soggy potting media. Pseudobulbs should remain plump and smooth.
FERTILIZATION
Since these orchids seem to grow continuously, they should be fertilized 1/2 strength balanced fertilizer three out of four weeks year-round. On the fourth week, flood the potting media to rinse fertilizer salts. If the orchid is potted in bark, use a high nitrogen fertilizer (9-3-6).
POTTING & MEDIA
Choose a well-draining potting mix such as fir-bark. Do not use sphagnum moss. Cultivating in a slatted basket will allow the orchid to grow into a large clump, maximizing the time between potting to 2-3 years. Mounting on a tree fern (or another slab) also works for this orchid.
TIPS
In the spring, watch for flowers produced from the base of the pseudobulb.
The Max. tenuifolia prefers to grow in large clumps and recovers slowly from potting
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Mmmm…smells like coconut!
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