Orchid
#11
Notes & Observations
Photograph at right shows the Maxillaria shortly after purchase in May, 2001.
You can see a larger version of this (and any photos) by clicking on it.
Orchid #011 :
Maxillaria
Tenufolia
Purchased 6/3/01 from the Orchid Booth at the Marin County Farmers Market
for $28.
4" plastic square pot.
Approximately
25 bulbs at varied stages of elevation from the base of the growing medium.
w/ approximately 42 x 1/4" wide leaves. Leaves are almost cymbidium-like,
but on a much, much smaller scale. Plant is approximately16" tall before
leaves begin arcing over. There was one flower which had formed, and it smelled
amazingly of coconut, which seems to be the attribute by which this species
is known. The flower was on the tip of a spike which came from the side of
one of the bulbs.
The helpful fellow at the booth explained that they like more sun than an
Oncidium.
Regarding Maxillaria in general, my Sunset book says, "Most thrive in
warm or intermediate temperatures, and require considerable shade." This
has been supported by other research.
6/18/01: Flower has dried out and fallen off (after a week of considerable heat when we were away. Decided after reading the Sunset book to move to shady side of atrium.
7/12/01: Removed to repot. Totally root bound - very little medium left in pot. The roots had formed to the outline of the square plastic pot. Although I wanted to repot it, I had anticipated placing it in the very next size up, and that meant I could squeeze in a couple of Dyna-Rok pellets on each side. The next size pot I have is laughably larger - nothing in between... Since it was happily growing and has been sending out new shoots, I plunked it back inand will have to obtain a new vessel.
7/23/01: Approximately 32 bulbs (tough to count) and a bit of new growth throughout. Doing very well on the floor away from direct sunlight.
8/16/01: Moved up onto elevated position on the same side atrium. On a wooden crate approx 1.5' from floor, on a rock/water dish approximately 12" diameter.
This page last updated: September 8, 2001
