A very nice Masdevallia endemic to Costa Rica where is grows in the cloud forests from 1400 to 2200 meters. It is fairly tolerant of warmer temperatures and I actually bloomed this on the windowsill in my intermediate growing room before moving it into the cool vivarium in April. The flowers measure about 7 cm and each inflorescence usually produce up to three flowers each in succession. I love both the shape and color of the flowers, and photographing it right after running the rainsystem made them look like candy. I actually think the colors are a bit more vibrant this time, perhaps due to the improved growing conditions or my failing memory…
I grow this Masdevallia potted in EpiWeb substrate, my medium of choice for the vivarium since the environment is so very wet. EpiWeb can hold about 70% of its own weight in water, but since it does not wick (absorb) water it is hard to over water plants potted in this medium, especially since it allows for plenty of air circulation around the roots. Another great benefit is that it does not break down in the extremely high humidity environment. Since it is an inert media there is no need to repot the orchids until they have completely outgrown the pot which mean they can grow for quite a long time undisturbed – and orchids like that.
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This is one, I’ll have to get, Karma, and I’ll have to try epiweb, too. I use mostly live sphagnum, but your recommendation soulds good.
Thanks Ron! Yes, this is such a nice Masdevallia, not to fuzzy to grow either. Growing in Sphagnum vs. EpiWeb, a matter of taste really. I grow the few Masdevallia I still keep on the windowsill in Sphagnum so they stay more evenly wet for a longer time without me having to water every other day. But in the vivarium where I have such high RH already and automatic watering twice a day I think EpiWeb is absolutely unbeatable, moss would get too wet in there for sure. Give it a try and wee what you think.