Maxillaria tenuifolia

[Dorsetman]

The best example of this species I ever saw. I think I grew it when I first started orchids more than 50 years ago, and since I only ever got 3 or 4 flowers I never grew it again. Nowadays I know better that proper resting is likely to be the clue - as a beginner, and as a youngish man, in my naivety not to say stupidity, I scratched my head over the question of resting, and thought that it the plant was green, it must need regular water.
But inspired by your superb culture, I think I'll have another go .
But can you take pity on an old man, and give me a short cut - just how do you rest it ?

[JDT]

The best example of this species I ever saw. I think I grew it when I first started orchids more than 50 years ago, and since I only ever got 3 or 4 flowers I never grew it again. Nowadays I know better that proper resting is likely to be the clue - as a beginner, and as a youngish man, in my naivety not to say stupidity, I scratched my head over the question of resting, and thought that it the plant was green, it must need regular water.
But inspired by your superb culture, I think I'll have another go .
But can you take pity on an old man, and give me a short cut - just how do you rest it ?

Thanks Geoff! To tell you the truth this old man does not rest it, I water and fertilize it all year long. This time of year I fertilize every week and during the winter every 2 weeks, but I use organic fertilizer with the addition of sea kelp every other week and phosphate, Epson salts and sea kelp the other week, I do without the sea kelp during the winter. I also use a time release fertilizer.

[oile]

Spectacular plant, excellent flowering, compliments

[JDT]

Spectacular plant, excellent flowering, compliments

Thanks Elio!