Masdevallia orchids

Masdevallia is a large genus of cool-growing Andean orchids, with most species native to the cloud forests of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. The flowers are unlike almost any other orchid: three fused sepals dominate the bloom, often extended into long tails or filaments, and the true petals are reduced to tiny vestigial structures. Colours range from brilliant scarlet to deep burgundy, orange, yellow, and mottled combinations.

The genus belongs to the Pleurothallid alliance and shares that group's preference for cool, moist, humid conditions. Masdevallias are beloved by collectors but frustrate growers who cannot give them the climate they require. In a cool greenhouse or terrarium, many species flower repeatedly. In a warm dry living room, they struggle.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): cool temperatures (nights 10 to 14 °C, day maximum 22 °C), low to medium light (1,000 to 1,800 footcandles), high humidity (70 to 90 percent), constant air movement, evenly moist fine bark or sphagnum medium. Pure water (rain or RO) strongly preferred over hard tap water.

Species include Masdevallia veitchiana, Masdevallia coccinea, Masdevallia tovarensis, and Masdevallia princeps. Hybrids like Confetti and Copper Angel bloom dependably in appropriate conditions. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.