Distinctive features of the representative of the flora, agricultural technology for growing maxillaria, steps for the reproduction of orchids, pests and diseases, interesting facts, species. Maxillaria (Maxillaria) is a fairly plural genus of representatives of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae), where scientists have attributed up to three hundred species. The native area of growth falls on the territory of America, on those lands where a tropical or subtropical climate prevails. Plants are epiphytes - they settle on the trunks or branches of trees, often representing "parasites" that suck life juices from their carriers.
Maxillaria bears its scientific name due to the external resemblance of its flowers to the jaw of insects, which in Latin sounds like "maxilla" and under this term the orchid entered the registers of representatives of the green world in the 19th century, which determined the name of the entire genus.
Maxillaria is a rather compact orchid species with a sympodial type of growth - when there is a modified rhizome and a creeping ground stem (rhizome) and pseudobulbs (bulbs) growing in a horizontal plane. On the epiphytic roots of the rhizome, bulbs with a smooth surface and ovoid outlines are formed. Their length can reach 3.5–4 cm with a width of about 2.5–3 cm. The location of the bulbs is so dense that they sometimes resemble a bunch, that is, they grow in a "ladder" - when the next pseudobulb is slightly higher than the previous one. And since the rhizome is not pressed by its surface to the substrate, then over time it looks like it is raised above the soil. Each small bulb has one leaf blade, and at the same time the old ones lose their foliage and become "bald".
The leaves of the maxillaria differ in a belt-like shape, their surface is leathery with a pointed tip, but in some species the tip is dull. In the middle of the leaf there is a pronounced central vein, while the young leaf blade is almost folded along it. The length of the leaf approaches 30–35 cm with a total width of about 1 cm. The number of leaves can vary within 1–5 units. They grow drooping or upright, their color is usually uniform. However, in nature there are varieties in which the surface of the leaf plates can be spotty and contrasting.
When flowering from one pseudobulb, several peduncles begin to grow, having only one bud each. The length of the flower-bearing stems is always shorter than the leaves and reaches only 10–20 cm. The buds open in turn, and therefore the flowering of the maxillaria seems to be very long. And since this orchid does not have a pronounced dormant period, after a short break, flowering again begins to gain strength. The flowering process under natural conditions occurs in July. Each flower lives for about a month, and the flowering itself stretches up to 4 months.
The color of the petals of flowers is quite varied, as is the shape of the petals, sometimes there is a pleasant aroma, which is very similar to the smell of pineapple. The diameter of the flower reaches 5–8 cm. The color of the lip usually differs from the sepals (lateral petals) and petals (lateral sepals) and has an impressive growth. Against the background of an open flower, it has a strong protrusion and is associated with a protruding tongue.
Growing this type of orchid is quite simple and even a novice florist can handle it, the main thing is not to violate the following care rules.
Growing maxillaria, care, planting, watering
- Lighting and location of the orchid. In order for the cultivation of maxillaria to be successful, it is important for it to choose the right place in the room and, accordingly, the level of lighting. Although the plant is light-loving, the direct rays of the sun falling on the leaves and flowers can cause burns. Therefore, you should put the pot with the orchid on the window sills facing the east, south-east, west or south-west sides of the world. In the northern orientation of the room, the level of illumination will not be enough for the plant, and additional lighting with special fluorescent lamps or phytolamps will be required. It is important to remember that for growing maxillaria throughout the whole season, a uniform level of illumination is required, the duration of which will be 10-12 hours a day. The most optimal for this orchid are illumination indicators, which will be at least 6000-8000 lux (lux are lux, represented by the ratio of the luminous flux illuminating a small area of the surface to its area). And this limit corresponds to a level higher than the usual illumination in the winter months at mid-latitudes. Therefore, you can completely replace the sunlight coming from the window with artificial lighting. It is thanks to this light that you can select the coolest place in your apartment for the location of the maxillary pot, where aggressive rays of the luminary, as well as dry and warm air from heating devices operating in the autumn-winter period, cannot penetrate.
- Content temperature. Since maxillaria, in natural growth conditions, prefers to settle in mountainous areas, therefore moderate heat indicators are suitable for it, but bright lighting and coolness all year round. At any time, it is important for her to maintain the temperature in the range of 18-22 degrees. The most curious thing is that for this orchid, no special heat parameters need to be set in order for the buds to be laid. If you follow the rules of care, then flowering will come by itself. With the arrival of autumn, you can slightly lower the thermometer to a range of 12-15 units. Maxillaria reacts extremely negatively to the heat, so if the temperature rises outside, then it is better to rearrange the pot with the orchid away from the window, and if the plant is in a south-facing room, then even with shading it will still be very uncomfortable - the exotic will begin to fade. It is also negatively affected by the flows of warm and dry air driven by heating devices and central heating batteries. The best place for your orchid will be the far corner of the room, which can be illuminated with phytolamps.
- Air humidity when growing maxillaria should be 70%, grow normally in dry conditions, the orchid will not be able to. It is recommended to keep the plant in special florariums, orchidariums, or at worst in an aquarium. It is recommended to use frequent spraying of the leaves (1-2 times a day), but only in the morning or evening, so that the sun's rays do not harm the orchid. It will also help to increase the humidity around the maxillaria by installing household air humidifiers or steam generators next to the pot. You can put a pot with an orchid on wet expanded clay or pebbles in a deep tray. You just need to make sure that the bottom of the pot does not come into contact with the poured liquid, otherwise the roots will begin to rot.
- Watering. When the maxillaria begins the time of active growth, which falls in May-July, then it is watered abundantly. When the plant goes into dormancy mode, it is recommended to reduce moisture, but not to allow the substrate to completely dry. This orchid completely lacks a layer of porous material (velamen) on the root processes, which protects other representatives of orchids from rapid evaporation of moisture, so if the soil dries out completely, this will lead to the death of the maxillirium due to the death of the roots. But the bay will also negatively affect the plant, as the roots will quickly begin to rot. Watering is carried out with such regularity that the substrate is always in a moist state, but not swampy. Water is used only soft, with an acidity of pH 5-6. At the same time, orchid connoisseurs argue that you need to use only well-settled water, which can be passed through a filter and boiled before that. You can use rain or river, melted snow water, but if there is confidence in its purity. The liquid is heated to room temperature (20-24 degrees). Otherwise, you can use distilled, which will guarantee its purity. Water the maxillaria by completely immersing the pot or block in a basin of water. After 20-30 minutes, the pot is removed from the container, the remaining liquid is allowed to drain from the drainage holes and put back in its original place.
- Fertilizers for maxillaria. When a plant begins vegetative activity, during early spring, it is recommended to feed it every 14 days. Complex mineral compositions are used for orchids. The dosage is reduced to? –1/6 of that indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer.
- Maxillaria transplant. This type of orchid is rarely transplanted, only if it has ceased to fit in a pot or on a block. For a comfortable growth of plants, special pots (baskets for epiphytes) or blocks for orchids are selected. When transplanting, it is recommended to completely replace the substrate, which has become unusable (has become rotten). Orchid roots can be soaked in a bowl of water if the soil itself does not separate from them. Supports wrapped in coconut fiber are installed in the new container so that the Maxillaria can use them during growth. When transplanting, simply placing the plant in a pot is not recommended. All this is due to the fact that the rhizome of the orchid grows with a "ladder" and after a year the plant will begin to fill the container on its side. The support in the pot is installed at a slight slope and the rhizome, which has the ability to grow, will fill the space under the support, fixing itself with root processes in the coconut fiber. If the plant is placed on a block, then its roots are attached to the material with a fishing line, and then covered with sphagnum moss so that moisture is always retained on the roots. The substrate is selected light, you can use ready-made compositions for orchids. Many connoisseurs of orchids prepare a soil mixture on their own from crushed bark of conifers, peat, leafy soil (fallen and rotted foliage and a little soil are collected from under birches) and river sand (in a ratio of 2: 1: 1: 1). Many people use just chopped sphagnum moss without additives.
- Conditions for flowering orchids. If the owner of the maxillaria has correctly selected the lighting and temperature regime for the plant, then he can achieve flowering at any time of the year. The total flowering process can take up to 4 months in length, while each flower on an orchid can last up to 30-40 days.
Steps for self-propagation of maxillaria
An orchid grown in indoor conditions is propagated in only one way - by dividing its rhizome (rhizome). You can combine this operation with a transplant so as not to disturb the maxillaria once again. The plant should be carefully removed from the container, if possible, clean the roots from the substrate and use a sharpened knife to cut the rhizome. It is important to divide in such a way that each division has three pseudobulbs. If these conditions are violated, then the entire plant will inevitably die. All sections must be sprinkled with a powder obtained from activated charcoal or charcoal. This will help disinfect the root system. Then you should take the prepared pot and lay the drainage and a small amount of the substrate on the bottom. Then the roots of the maxillary delenka are carefully placed there. Empty places in the pot are filled up with soil. Watering is carried out several days after transplanting.
Also in industrial conditions, seed and meristem reproduction (by cloning plants) is used.
Diseases and pests of maxillaria
If the rules for caring for a flower are fully consistent, then you can not be afraid of either diseases or pests, since the maxillaria is quite resistant to them. But if the conditions are violated, then the death of the plant is inevitable.
However, the following problems can be identified when growing:
- foliage begins to turn yellow if the orchid is sunburned or lacks fresh air;
- discharge of buds occurs due to excess or lack of lighting, high heat indicators, waterlogging of the substrate or due to the action of a draft;
- when your maxillaria refuses to bloom, this means that the orchid has undergone frequent transplants and / or movements, reproduction has been carried out by dividing the mother plant, too much fertilizer has been applied to the soil, or frequent waterlogging of the substrate occurs.
Notes about maxillaria
The number and diversity of maxillaria is so great today that botanical scientists are beginning to talk about a new species classification.
Maxillaria species
- Maxillaria grandiflora (Maxillaria grandiflora) is the best variety among the whole genus Maxillaria. Bulbs take on oval outlines, while forming a dense cluster, reaching a height of 5 cm, bearing one leaf plate each. The leaf has a lanceolate shape, its surface is leathery, the length is close to 30 cm. During flowering, the formed peduncle can reach up to 10-12 cm, it is crowned with one flower. The bud can open up to 10 cm in diameter, has a pleasant aroma, its color is snow-white with a purple-violet lip. The flowering period is long, the process occurs in the spring. Depending on the conditions of detention, planting can be carried out in pots, baskets or on blocks. The dormant period is pronounced and is up to a month after flowering. It is dangerous if drops of moisture fall on young shoots. The native territories of growth are in the lands of Ecuador.
- Maxillaria purpurea (Maxillaria porphyrostele) is an epiphytic plant with a large number of closely related bulbs. They have a pear-shaped and slightly flattened shape. The outlines of the leaf plates are practically linear, the apex is obtuse, the surface is thin-skinned. When blooming, flowers of a light yellow color bloom, there is a purple-brown speck on the surface of the petals. Lateral sepals (sepals) have a sickle-like bend. The petals located on the sides (petals) are shorter than the sepals and are directed upward. The lip has a lighter shade than other parts of the flower; there are red-brown specks at its base. Column shade - dark purple to brown. The flowering process occurs in February-April.
- Maxillaria thin-leaved (Maxillaria tenuifolia) grows as an epiphyte. It has an elongated rhizome, with a strong branching, which has a tendency to grow upward, sometimes it is true that there are specimens with a horizontal arrangement. The rhizome bears egg-shaped bulbs with a slight flattening, their location is loose. The leaf plates are linear, narrowed in size, can reach 30 cm in length with a width of about 1 cm. Flowering stems are short, can only reach 6 cm in height, one-flowered. Sepals and petals (sepals and petals) in the flower are colored brownish-red, and there are spots and specks of yellow color on the surface. The lip has three-lobed outlines, the lateral lobes are rather tiny, and the middle lobe with lengthening, takes on lingual or guitar-like outlines, on its surface there are specks of yellowish or whitish color. The flowering process is observed in April-May.
How to care for maxillaria at home, learn from this video:
