Water
Water consistently, allowing the potting medium to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering slightly during cooler periods when growth slows.
Also known as The Variable Maxillaria
Maxillaria variabilis, the Variable Maxillaria orchid, is a captivating epiphyte known for its diverse flower colors ranging from yellow to red and brown.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light.
75% intensity
Mimic its natural habitat under canopy; avoid direct harsh sun.
Keep moist but not soggy.
75% intensity
Allow the top inch of media to dry out between waterings.
Orchid mix (bark, perlite, sphagnum moss)
50% intensity
Intermediate.
50% intensity
Daytime: 20-25°C; Nighttime: 13-18°C. A slight temperature drop at night promotes flowering.
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
Feed during active growth.
50% intensity
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength, every 2-4 weeks.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently, allowing the potting medium to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering slightly during cooler periods when growth slows.
Prune away spent flower spikes and any dead or damaged leaves as needed. Remove old, dried pseudobulbs to maintain plant health and appearance. This is primarily for tidiness and to encourage new growth.
Propagate by division. When the plant becomes overcrowded, carefully divide the pseudobulbs into sections, ensuring each division has at least three healthy pseudobulbs and good root system.
Pot individually into a suitable orchid mix.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the potting medium breaks down. Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as bark chips with perlite. Repot after flowering, typically in spring, to minimize stress.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Variable Maxillaria (Maxillaria variabilis)
Where Variable Maxillaria (Maxillaria variabilis) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Maxillaria |
| Species | Maxillaria variabilis |
Similar in genus Maxillaria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
