Maxillaria meleagris

Also known as: Information to be completed

An epiphytic, evergreen orchid producing a clump of small, oval-shaped, 3-4cm tall pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulbs is covered with thin, papery sheaths. Leaves are leathery, linear or narrowly-oval, up to 30cm long and 0.5-2cm wide. In late winter and spring, flowering stems 3-8cm long emerge from the base of the pseudobulbs. Each stem carries a single, 2cm small flower. Flowers are colour variable, yellow, pinkish or dark red, often heavily spotted and striped with dark red or maroon. Mature plants grown in optimal conditions often produce large numbers of flowers, flowering simultaneously amidst the leaves

Scientific classification

Species: Maxillaria meleagris (Maxillaria meleagris)
Genus: Maxillaria
Family: Orchidaceae

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Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming · Tufted
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Maxillaria meleagris pictures

Distribution of Maxillaria meleagris

Distribution map

C and NS America

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Maxillaria meleagris

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Maxillaria meleagris care guide

Keep potting medium lightly moist, never stagnant, with generous airflow
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep potting medium lightly moist, never stagnant, with generous airflow

Fertilizing

Half-strength orchid feed every two to three weeks during active growth

Pruning

No pruning required

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

Growing

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

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