Water
Water thoroughly when the potting medium is nearly dry, typically once or twice a week during active growth. Reduce watering in cooler, dormant periods to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Maxillaria acutifolia, the Rufous Tiger Orchid, is a captivating orchid species native to Central and South America, known for its striking blooms.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light.
75% intensity
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Dappled shade is ideal.
Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged.
75% intensity
Allow the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings.
Orchid bark mix (e.g., fir bark, perlite, charcoal)
50% intensity
Intermediate to warm.
75% intensity
Daytime: 20-27°C. Nighttime: 13-18°C. A slight temperature drop at night promotes blooming.
Regular feeding during growth.
50% intensity
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during active growth.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the potting medium is nearly dry, typically once or twice a week during active growth. Reduce watering in cooler, dormant periods to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Remove spent flower spikes at the base once blooming is finished. Trim away any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves or pseudobulbs as needed. Disinfect pruning tools between cuts to prevent disease spread.
This orchid is typically propagated by division. When the plant becomes overcrowded, carefully divide the pseudobulbs into sections, ensuring each division has at least 2-3 healthy pseudobulbs and some roots.
Replant immediately.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the potting medium begins to break down. Choose a well-draining orchid mix. Repot after flowering, ideally when new growth is emerging, to minimize stress on the plant.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Rufous Tiger Orchid (Maxillaria acutifolia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Maxillaria |
| Species | Maxillaria acutifolia |
Similar in genus Maxillaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
