Cultural Notes

Cultural notes for Sarcochilus and Masdevallia orchids.

Sarcochilus: Epiphytic orchid, native to Australia. Flowering time: late Spring.  They grow mostly in cool mountainous  areas on trees or sometimes on rocks. Environment is generally cool and shady.

Masdevallia: Epiphytic orchid, native  to South and Central America. Many grow at high altitude at 2000 meter or above. They like cool, moist often windy, foggy and misty weather.

These are combined cultural notes as we grow these orchids side by side using virtually identical conditions.

Generally speaking Masdevallias need more attention to shading, moist atmosphere and good air movement. Sarcochilus are generally more tolerant.

Both are best kept in small pots, overpotting i.e. repotting into a pot larger than necessary is bad practice.

Repotting is needed on a regular basis, often annually is good practice.

Point of Difference: Masdevallias require division on bi-annual basis. Sarcochilus do not.

Small to medium size i.e. 9-12mm orchid bark suits both Sarcochilus and Masdevallia. Sphagnum moss for Masdevallias is also good.

Feeding: This must be little and often. Soluble fertilizer with low N & High P is preferred. Often referred to as Blossom Booster.        1/4 strength on a weekly basis in summer, fortnightly in winter.

Over feeding often produces nice green leaves and no flowers. Under feeding doesn't hurt much so less is better

Shading: Both types need 80% during summer at least! Should be reduced to half that in winter. This is important: Winter light produces flowers.

Watering: Do not keep saturated. Allow some dry time between watering. In warmer or hot weather in small pots this may still be daily. In winter as little as every 7-9 days. Monitor your plants.

Misting: Very beneficial in hot weather, if not essential. Automate if possible. 'Mist' rather than 'water' at least once on a hot day.

Keep pots 'cool' by standing them in a larger empty pot. This is a simple but oh so useful thing to do.

Keep plants well enough spaced to maintain good air flow. Add a fan to growing area, most beneficial.

Watch out for aphids - scale - mealybug - slugs - snails. Control as necessary.

Hygiene: Masdevallias being multi leaved will drop old leaves as new ones come on, mostly late summer. Collect and dispose, do not leave them lying around.

Fungal infections are common in both Sarcochilus and Masdevallias. We suggest Yates Rose Spray, especially late summer and autumn. Good air movement is first priority.