What is Maxillaria? Get to know this orchid family plant

Growth Habits of Maxillaria

Maxillaria prefers a hot and humid climate, and requires sufficient sunlight. In spring, autumn and winter the sunlight is milder, so it can take full sun; 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.

For the growing medium, sphagnum moss is best as it holds water well. Water when the sphagnum 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 sprout again from the base of the pseudobulbs, and they grow extremely fast. It is recommended to repot into a larger pot as needed; besides holding moisture better, the pot will also not tip over from being top-heavy.

Because it grows fast, 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, you can also apply some quick-acting fertilizer, such as Hyponex No. 2 20-20-203,000 times solution, watered once a week. Propagation is mainly by division, best done in spring and summer; each unit of 3-5 bulbs can be planted separately into pots.

Ornamental Value of Maxillaria      

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 its scent. Friends who want to buy one should take advantage of the flowering season to purchase it at the flower market, otherwise once the flowering season passes, it will not be so easy to find, because although a non-flowering Maxillaria can also be appreciated as a foliage plant, without the accompaniment of fragrance it is harder to create the desire to buy, so flower vendors will not put it on display.