Maxillaria pseudoreichenheimiana 'Karen'
Native to Peru and Ecuador, this Maxillaria species has some of the most beautiful foliage in the Orchid World. The beautifully marked olive green leaves with white to silver spots are quite dramatic.
The flowers emerge in spring with a profusion of 2-3 inch yellow with brown brushed sepals and white petals with a white lip.
Fragrant, with the scent of wintergreen in the morning. Very showy green leaves with bright silvery spots. Easy to grow, grows best warm to intermediate with frequent watering. Blooming size!
Temperature: The bulk of the species do very well under intermediate temperatures (55F nights/85F days). Those species from high elevations will require cooler temperatures while those from hot lowlands will require warmer conditions.
Light: Most species respond well under bright light but no direct sun. Conditions similar to those for cattleyas.
Water-Humidity: Most species should be watered year round. They should be watered thoroughly and then allowed to nearly dry before watering again. Since the majority of species come from humid or cloud forests, humidity should be maintained at 40-70% year round.
Fertilizer: Use a dilute, one-quarter to one-half strength orchid fertilizer about twice monthly during the growing season.
Potting: Many species are intolerant of being disturbed so a well-drained epiphyte potting medium should be chosen. Repotting should take place only when new growth AND new roots are visible.
This is a blooming size plant in a 3" pot, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, Limited!