Maxillaria picta
An epiphytic, evergreen orchid producing a clump of small, oval-shaped pseudobulbs, 4-7cm tall and 2.5-4cm wide. Each pseudobulb is basally covered with thin, papery sheaths and carrying single, leathery, 20-40cm long and 4-5cm wide, linear leaf. In winter and spring, flowering stems emerge from the base of the pseudobulbs. Each stem up to 15cm long carries a single, 5cm large flower. Flowers are yellow to white, spotted dark red, purple or brown. Mature plants grown in optimal conditions often produce large numbers of flowering stems, flowering simultaneously amidst the leaves.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow White Red Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Yellow White Red Brown | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A large, diverse genus of mainly epiphytic, tropical orchids, producing a clump of small, elliptic or egg-shaped pseudobulbs. Pseudobulbs are thickened basal parts of stem, serving as a storage of water and nutrients
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South America
How to grow
Cultivation
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
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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free. Poor air movement and soggy potting mix may cause risk of bacterial infections
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.