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Maxillaria spp.
tiger orchids
Tropical and subtropical Americas, from Mexico to Argentina
Overview
Maxillaria spp. is a large genus of around 650 species of mostly epiphytic and rock-dwelling orchids in the family Orchidaceae, native to the tropical and subtropical Americas. Plants grow from clustered pseudobulbs, swollen storage stems that sit along a creeping rhizome, each topped by one or a few narrow, leathery, strap-shaped leaves. Flowers are usually borne singly on short stalks from the base of the pseudobulbs, ranging widely across the genus in size and color, from white and yellow to red, maroon, and brown, often marked with spots or bars that give the common name tiger orchids. Many species are fragrant; M. tenuifolia carries a coconut-like scent. Blooms last one to several weeks, with flowering times varying by species. The genus grows on tree trunks and mossy rocks in humid forests from sea level to cloud-forest elevations, where temperatures and rainfall vary by altitude. Most species are frost-sensitive and are grown as greenhouse or windowsill orchids in cool climates. The pseudobulbs let plants endure short dry periods between waterings.
Native Range
Maxillaria spp. is native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, from Mexico and the West Indies through Central America to Argentina. Plants grow as epiphytes and lithophytes in humid lowland and montane forests.Suggested Uses
Maxillaria spp. species are grown as potted or mounted orchids in greenhouses, on windowsills, and in shade houses, and in frost-free gardens on trees. Fragrant species such as M. tenuifolia are grown for their scent. The compact pseudobulbs suit small-space orchid collections.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering times vary widely across the genus, with many species blooming in spring. Individual flowers last from one to several weeks. Some species flower more than once a year under steady warmth and humidity.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow, red, white, or maroonFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Maxillaria spp. species grow in bright, filtered light in open, free-draining orchid media such as bark or mounted on slabs, with a slightly acidic pH near 5.5 to 6.5. As epiphytes they need air around the roots and are watered regularly while in growth, then more sparingly between waterings. Humidity of 50 percent or more and steady air movement support healthy growth. Most species are frost-sensitive, suited to USDA zones 10 to 12, and are grown indoors or under glass elsewhere. Cooler-growing, high-elevation species and warm lowland species differ in their temperature needs. Crowded plants are divided after flowering, keeping several pseudobulbs per division.Pruning
Spent flower stalks are trimmed once blooms fade. Shriveled, leafless old pseudobulbs can be removed during division to keep the plant vigorous. No other pruning is needed for these orchids.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons