How to grow Maxillaria? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and experience

Maxillaria is a perennial herbaceous plant in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), genus Maxillaria. This genus contains 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. Flower stalks emerge from the base of the pseudobulbs, 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 likes a hot and humid climate, and requires sufficient sunlight. In spring, autumn, and winter, the sunlight is milder, so full sun can be tolerated. In summer, move it to a location with partial sun or avoid the strong direct light at noon, and shade netting can also be used to block part of the light. For the growing medium, sphagnum moss is best because it has good water retention. Water when the sphagnum moss is half dry. When lacking water, the pseudobulbs will shrivel and develop wrinkles, but they will recover as soon as they are watered again. Every spring and summer, new shoots 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 retain moisture better, the pot will also not tip over due to being top-heavy. Because it grows quickly, it needs more fertilizer. It is recommended to regularly apply some slow-release fertilizers, such as Magic Fertilizer and Osmocote, as a base fertilizer. In spring and summer, when growth is faster, some quick-acting fertilizer can also be applied, 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. Each unit can consist of 3-5 pseudobulbs, planted separately into pots. Perhaps the flowers of Maxillaria are not especially outstanding, but its fragrance is very attractive. Just grow one plant and the whole room will be filled with fragrance. Friends who want to buy one should take advantage of the flowering period and go to the flower market to choose one, otherwise once the flowering period passes, it will not be so easy to find. This is because although a non-flowering Maxillaria can also be enjoyed as a foliage plant, without the fragrance to complement it, it is harder to create the desire to buy, so flower vendors will not display it. Editor: Yeyu