How to grow Maxillaria? Cultivation methods and experience sharing
Maxillaria is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Maxillaria in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). This genus has about 200 species, mostly distributed in Central and South America. Currently the most widely sold on the market is Maxillaria tenuifolia. Its leaves are linear, and the base of the plant has flattened pseudobulbs. The flower stalk emerges from the base of the bulb, and each pseudobulb can produce 2-3 flowers. The flower diameter is about 3-5 cm, and the color ranges from bright red to dark red. The flowers all have a strong creamy chocolate fragrance. The flowering period is from late spring to early summer.
Maxillaria prefers a hot and humid climate, and requires sufficient sunlight. In spring, autumn and winter the sunlight is milder, so full sun is acceptable; in summer, move it to a spot with partial sun or avoid the strong direct light at noon, and you can also use a shade net to block part of the light. The growing medium is best with sphagnum moss, which has better water retention. Water when the sphagnum moss is half dry. When short of water, the pseudobulbs will shrivel and develop wrinkles, but they will recover as soon as you water again. Every spring and summer, new shoots will sprout again from the base of the pseudobulbs, and the growth rate is extremely fast. It is recommended to repot into a larger pot as needed; besides helping to retain moisture better, the pot will also not tip over because the top is heavy and the base is light.
Because it grows fast, it needs more fertilizer. It is recommended that besides regularly applying some slow-release fertilizers, such as Magic Fertilizer and Hi-Control, as a base fertilizer, when growth is faster in spring and summer you can also apply some quick-acting fertilizer, such as Hyponex No. 2 20-20-20 at 3,000 times dilution, watered once a week. Propagation is mainly by division, and spring and summer are more suitable. You can divide them into units of 3-5 bulbs each and plant them separately in pots.
Perhaps the flowers of Maxillaria are not especially outstanding, but its fragrance is very attractive. Just plant one and the whole room will be filled with fragrance. Friends who want to buy one should take advantage of the flowering period to choose one at the flower market, otherwise once the flowering period passes, it will not be so easy to find, because although a Maxillaria that has not bloomed can also be appreciated as a foliage plant, without the accompaniment of fragrance it is harder to have the desire to buy one, so flower vendors will not display them either.