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‘Of all the many orchid species, Mexipedium xerophyticum has particularly captivated me. I am happy to receive suggestions, content corrections and discussions with like-minded people. Please contact me!’
Frequently asked questions:
Mexipedium xerophyticum is rarely found for sale at nurseries. It is somewhat more common in the USA, where the diversity of varieties is also quite high. In Europe, most plants in circulation can be traced back to a single source. The genetic diversity is therefore quite low and seedlings are the exception. It helps to contact specialised orchid companies by email, even if they are sold out in the shop. The best chances in Europe are in Germany.
Mexipedium.ch is not a specialised trade company. Rather, the focus is on providing information about this wonderful plant. Although enquiries are of course free of charge, the chances are slim that plants will be available for sale.
Mexipedium xerophyticum is listed in Appendix I of the CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which means that an import can only be made with a certificate that proves that the plant originates from artificial propagation. In addition, when importing from the USA to Europe, for example, a phytosanitary document is also required to prove that the imported plant is free from harmful organisms. So even if a seller can be found who is willing to ship with the necessary documents, the process is time-consuming and costly.
Yes, seed and young plants in sterile propagation containers are exempt from CITES. However, Mexipedium seedlings in flasks are extremely difficult to obtain.
Mexipediums are among the most exclusive and expensive orchids. The price is generally calculated per growth and ranges from 40-150 USD in the USA and 100-250 EURO in Europe.
If a Mexipedium does not flower, even though it is otherwise perfectly healthy, it sometimes helps to set a slightly lower night temperature.
The windowsill culture of Mexipedium xerophyticum is surprisingly promising. They do not necessarily require high humidity as long as there is sufficient moisture in the substrate.
Yes, they are light-hungry plants. However, a south-facing window should be slightly shaded to prevent the plants from burning.
It is difficult to find Mexipedium xerophyticum in Switzerland. However, there are a few breeders who have the species. Please contact me, I will be happy to provide information.
No, not quite yet. The species still exists in the wild. However, the area in which they grow in Mexico is kept secret. There are probably less than 20 specimens left in the wild. The species is therefore one of the rarest plant species in the world.
Efforts are being made to reintroduce the species to its natural habitat from artificially propagated specimens. The main problem, however, is that all plants in cultivation are descended from just two original plants (the clones are named ‘Oaxaca’ and ‘Windy Hill’). The gene pool is therefore extremely small.
Mexipedium.ch supplies botanical gardens in Switzerland with Mexipedium xerophyticum so that the species can at least be preserved in cultivation. One day, the wide distribution of the species in orchid collections will probably help to ensure that the species does not become extinct.