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Conservatory Greenhouse

Maxillaria nigrescens

An epiphytic, evergreen orchid producing a clump of round or oval-shaped, slightly flattened 5cm large pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulb carries one, 30cm long and 4cm wide, narrowly-oval, leathery leaf. In spring and summer, flowering stems emerge from the base of the pseudobulbs. Each stem up to 15cm long carries single, red or maroon, scented, approx. 5cm large flower. Mature plants grown in optimal conditions often produce large numbers of flowering stems, flowering simultaneously.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

A large, diverse genus of mainly epiphytic, tropical orchids, producing a clump of small, elliptic or egg-shaped pseudobulbs. Pseudobulbs are thickened basal parts of stem, serving as a storage of water and nutrients

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N & W South America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow 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

Propagation

Propagation 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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free. Poor air movement and soggy potting mix may cause risk of bacterial infections

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