Maxillaria cucullata

Also known as: Information to be completed

An epiphytic, evergreen orchid producing a clump of small, oval-shaped, 9cm long and 1-3cm wide pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulb carries a single, 10-40cm long and 1-5cm wide leaf. Leaves are variable, linear or elliptic, rounded apically. In autumn and winter, flowering stems emerge from the axils of sheaths covering mature pseudobulbs. Each stem up may be 7-30cm long and carries single, yellow and brown, fragrant flowers. Each flower is 4-9cm large with darker, often almost black lip. Mature plants grown in optimal conditions often produce large numbers of flowering stems, flowering simultaneously.

Scientific classification

Species: Maxillaria cucullata (Maxillaria cucullata)
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
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Maxillaria cucullata pictures

Distribution of Maxillaria cucullata

Distribution map

Mexico to C. America

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Maxillaria cucullata

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Maxillaria cucullata care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

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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