Masdevallia are part of the Orchidaceae family and its native range is Mexico to S. Tropical America. They are epiphytic, sympodial orchids growing at high altitudes in cloud forests, where the climate is cool and humid. Masdevallia have a distinctive flower that is often triangular in shape with narrowing sepals that taper to a slender point. Rhizomes produce small small stems with a single leaf at the top. The bloom of this Masdevallia hybrid is orange-yellow. Genus name honours Dr. Jose Masdeval of Spain - a botanist and orchid collector. Pot: ø 9cm. Height: Approximately 17cm from base of pot. Flower Spike: 2 branches. Light: North-facing windowsill in a bright room all year round, between 1000 and 1500 foot-candles. Masdevallia can be kept in light intensities up to 2500 foot-candles if the growing space can be kept cool. Water: Masdevallia have minimal water-storage tissue. Roots should be allowed to become almost dry before watering again; if drainage is adequate, constantly moist roots are fine. Use tepid wanted. Potting mix: Many growers recommend using just high grade sphagnum moss for mature plants, some suggest a mix of fine grade pine bark, perlite and a small amount of horticultural charcoal. Plants ought to be repotted every one to two years, before the potting mix decomposes. Position the plant in the pot so that the newest growth is farthest from the edge of the container, allowing the maximum number of new growths without crowding the vessel. Spread the roots over a cone of potting mix the fill in around the roots with potting mix, firm the medium around the roots. Keep humidity high and the potting medium slightly dry until new roots form. Fertilising: Feed regularly while plants are actively growing; AOS recommends applications of 30-10-10 fertiliser twice a month for ideal for plants in bark chips and a 20-20-20 formulation for plants in other media. Remember to flush potting mix occasionally to prevent build up of salts. Temperature: Day time temperatures of 18-23˚C. Night time temperatures of 12-15˚C. Avoid day temperatures higher than 26˚C. Humidity: 60-80%. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier. Ensure you have good air circulation if the humidity is higher. Evaporative coolers help raise humidity and lower temperatures. Masdevallia are non-toxic.
