NOS member David shares his growing tips for June’s Plant of Botanical Interest winner Maxillaria kautsky.
This compact, miniature species from Brazil is a free flowering orchid which makes a makes a statement every June and July. Its has creamy white flowers which are sweetly perfumed and is a very reliable orchid to have in your collection.
I grow my plant under 50% shade, but because I have a lot of vegetation around the growing areas, I would suggest if you have an open aspect 70% shade would be beneficial.
Good watering all year round is preferred and I hang my plant to optimise good air movement as my growing areas are rather packed so I try to utilise all aspects that will suit different types of orchids.
David’s Maxillaria kautsky (photo supplied by David)
Potting is done in September - November in a mix of Orchiata bark and perlite and I have never found pests and diseases to affect this plant.
As far as fertilising goes it receives my usual program of Peters Cal Mag Finisher every week and a monthly application of Strike Back for Orchids between September - March. Plantacote Hi K 6 months slow release fertiliser is applied at potting. I purchased this plant from Orchid Species Plus in Victoria and it would be a worthy addition to any collection.
Good Growing. David