How to Grow Masdevallias And Draculas
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Masdevallias and draculas have a wide geographical distribution. This is especially true in the case of the former. Masdevallias can be found from Mexico to Brazil and Bolivia. Draculas are from Costa Rica to Ecuador and Colombia, with one species, Dracula ja netiae, being found near Tingo Maria, Peru. The draculas, because of their hydrophilic (water loving) nature, are found more abundantly at high elevations in the cloud forests of the Colombian and Ecuadorian Andes. Here they are subjected to frequent mist and fog.

The Masdevallias, being more diverse, are found at low and high elevations. Species can be found growing as terrestrials, epiphytes, and even lithophytic. The flowers can appear singly as M. uniflora or multifloral, as M. polysticta, M. medusa, and M. tridens. Several species reflower from old triquetrous inflorescences, as M. infracta and M. ephippium. Flower spikes can be upright or decumbent like M. naranjapatae and M. angulata, the latter growing well on cork slabs.

Because of this great diversity, it is possible through careful selection to have Masdevallias and Draculas in bloom throughout the year. Masdevallias and Draculas are compact and attractive plants, even when not in bloom. A good number of plants can be grown in a relatively small area. They can be grown in a cool spot in the intermediate house, along with Odontoglossums and Cymbidiums in the cool house, or in­doors under lights with great success. These beautiful jewels, the rage of the Victorians, are finding new favor among orchid enthusiasts.

Potting

Fir bark has been the standard potting medium used for orchids for a number of years; however, there are as many potting media as there are orchid growers. No two growers have the same growing conditions. We use a mix consisting of five parts fine fir bark, and one equal part each of charcoal, sponge rock or perlite, milled sphagnum, and fine aquarium gravel. Masdevallias and Draculas should be repotted every two years, at which time you may want to take divisions. Each division should have seven or more healthy leaves.

Masdevallias can be potted in standard plastic pots. Add a few broken crocks to aid drainage. Try not to overpot; select a pot that holds the root system snugly. Draculas, because of their decumbent flowering habit, should be potted in wire baskets made from aluminum gutter guard. These aluminum baskets should be set in shallow plastic con­tainers. This allows a two or three inch reservoir of water. Masdevallias should be kept slightly on the dry side after repotting. The Draculas, however, need moisture at all times.

Water and Humidity

While it is virtually impossible to overwater the draculas, care must be employed with the Masdevallias. If they are kept too wet, bacterial rot can quickly take its toll on the collection. Allow the Masdevallias to dry on the surface of the pots before watering again. During the Summer when temperatures are high, water in the mornings and mist early afternoon when possible to keep the temperature cool and humidity high.

For basement and indoor culture, mist the Masdevallias and Draculas every morning. The Dracula baskets should be set in shallow pans filled with water. Plastic margarine containers are ideal for this purpose. The water is drawn up by capillary action.

Feeding

All orchids benefit from the use of fertilizers. Masdevallias and Draculas are in active growth throughout the year. We do not use fertilizers from November through Feb­ruary. The rest of the year we use high nitrogen fertilizer at '/4 strength at every third watering. Always water plants before applying any concentrated fertilizers. Work out a regular schedule. A calendar in the greenhouse will allow you to keep an accurate record of watering, fertilizing, and spraying, etc. Consistency is very important and pays beautiful dividends.

Temperature

Masdevallias and Draculas prefer a night temperature of 50  55°F and 65°F during the day. At these temperatures Masdevallias and Draculas can be grown outdoors in northern California for most of the year. We have grown our collection of Draculas out­doors in a shade house from May 15, until mid to late October here in Portland, Oregon. During the Summer months when temperatures are above 70°F, the Draculas are misted frequently. Should the temperature rise above 75°F, the mist system is left on until the temperature drops. The louvers are left open in the greenhouse for the Masdevallias throughout the Summer and whenever possible.

The basement is an ideal place to grow Masdevallias and Draculas because of the unique thermodynamics of the concrete walls. They offer a cool haven in Summer and warmth in winter. Small spot fans should be employed to keep air moving around plants. Basement windows should be opened whenever possible to admit fresh air.

Light

An average year round intensity of 1000 1500 foot candles is sufficient for good growth and flower production. Bright sunlight and high temperature in combination is very harmful to Masdevallias and Draculas. During the Summer months the plants must be shaded. The Draculas can be suspended under a bench during the Summer as they require very low light intensity. All shading is removed by the first of November and reapplied the first or second week of February. For basement and indoor light culture, Sylvania Gro lux wide spectrum tubes are used in eight foot lengths. For good growth and flower production, 12 15 watts per square foot is ideal.

Pests and Diseases

Masdevallias and Draculas have few pests. The most damaging are the slugs and snails. These can be controlled with metaldehyde sprays and granules. Do not use expanding meal pellets around plants, as they tend to mold and may cause damage to masdevallias.

Aphids find the flowers and young leaves of Masdevallias and Draculas to their liking. These insects must be controlled as they are vectors for virus and disease. Aphids can transmit bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) which appears as yellow mosaic or mottled patterns on the leaves. Once infected, a plant must be removed from the greenhouse or growing area and destroyed. Contact your local agricultural office for information about control. There are many new biological controls that are very affective.

Masdevallias of the coccinea section (M. coccinea, M. veitchiana, M. ignea) have an affinity for leafspot caused by various fungi. Cut off and destroy affected leaves and treat plants with an appropriate fungicide bactericide. Again your local county agricultural agent will be most helpful. We strongly recommend the "Handbook on Orchid Pests and Diseases" published by the American Orchid Society, 6000 South Olive Ave., West Palm Beach FL, 33405.

Hill, Theresa. (1988). How to Grow Masdevallias And Draculas. In . (Eds.), Your First Orchids and How to Grow Them (pp. 83-84). Portland, OR: Oregon Orchid Society, Inc..

"Your First Orchids and How to Grow Them" is a publication of the Oregon Orchid Society. Copies of this book can be ordered directly from the the Oregon Orchid Society.

Price $ 6.95

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Oregon Orchid Society, Inc.
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