About
Maxillaria meleagris is an epiphytic, evergreen orchid producing small, 3�4 cm oval pseudobulbs covered with papery sheaths and leathery, linear or narrowly oval leaves to 30 cm long. From late winter to spring, short flowering stems 3�8 cm long emerge from the pseudobulb bases, each bearing a single, 2 cm flower in colour-variable yellow, pink or dark red, often heavily spotted and striped with maroon. A rewarding and striking maxillaria for a warm to intermediate heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Maxillaria are a large, diverse genus of mainly epiphytic orchids from tropical America producing small, egg-shaped or elliptic pseudobulbs, strap-shaped leaves and solitary flowers on short stems from the pseudobulb base � often waxy, sometimes fragrant, in yellow, red, white or brown tones. Grown in warm to intermediate heated greenhouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toC & NS America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open, free-draining, medium-grade, bark-based orchid mix with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Requires day temperatures around 18-20°C and 14-16°C at night. Provide good light levels, but avoid direct sunlight. Water plants thoroughly when compost is almost dry, allow to drain and use orchid fertiliser regularly during growing season. See also indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided in early or mid spring, when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3-4 healthy, older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Poor air movement and soggy potting mix may cause risk of bacterial infections