Maxillaria tenuifolia is one of the 200 species of maxillarias. It is one of the easiest orchids to care for. Maxillaria tenuifolia is native to Mexico to Honduras.

Blooming Time: Summer: This plant bears long lasting coconut-scented blossoms, about 1-1/2 inches across, that are dark red with yellow speckles.

Culture: Maxillaria tenuifolia does best in bright indirect or curtain-filtered sunlight, night temperatures of 55 to 70° and day temperatures of 68° or higher. Plant in a mixture of 2 parts fir bark or shredded tree-fern fiber and 1 part peat moss. Keep the potting medium moist at all times. Fertilize monthly with a 20-10-10 fertilizer diluted to ¼ tsp. per quart of water.

Propagation: Maxillaria tenuifolia is propagated by the division of pseudobulbs which arise from a creeping rhizome.

Maxillaria tenuifolia was featured as Plant of the Week June 4-10, 1999.