Maxillaria densa

A widespread, clump-forming epiphytic orchid from Mexico to Nicaragua. Its pseudobulbs sit close together, and it bears dense clusters of small flowers at their bases. It is adaptable and grows intermediate: bright filtered light, wet summers and a somewhat drier winter.

At home, aim for

Day IntermediateTargets in Plantistry

Night Close to the dayTargets in Plantistry

Humidity Ordinary room humidityBand in Plantistry

Light Dappled lightDLI and PPFD in Plantistry

Expects a seasonal restGrows on trees (epiphyte)

Where it grows wild

It grows as an epiphyte on trees in humid to seasonally dry forest, including oak, pine-oak and cloud forest at mid elevations. This is generalised from the genus and the spread of the records.

Recorded from 10 to 2612 m, median about 1000 m. Most populations sit around 900 to 1500 m on the Gulf slope and in Chiapas.

Mexico CentralMexico GulfMexico NortheastMexico SoutheastMexico SouthwestBelizeGuatemalaEl SalvadorHondurasNicaragua

🔒 Growing it like that

The wild conditions above, turned into targets for a shelf, a tent or a greenhouse. The full profile has:

✓ Day and night temperature targets, and the limits it tolerates

✓ Humidity band, and how to hold it

✓ Light as DLI and PPFD for a grow light

✓ Wet and dry seasons, and whether to rest it

✓ Substrate and airflow

✓ A step-by-step setup to grow it like the wild

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More Maxillaria

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Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app.