Masdevallia

No, it’s not winter — it’s just another cool, foggy San Francisco summer. Fortunately, it’s the perfect climate for this Bolivian beauty. Dozens of delightful pink and purple Masdevallia flowers opened more than a month ago in our back garden, and they’re still going strong.

Masdevallia flowers and leavesMasdevallia flowerMasdevallia flowers

This species is native to elevations of 8000 – 9000 ft. (2438 – 2743 m.) from only a single valley near Cochabamba, Bolivia. That’s the largest city in Chapare Province, which provides the species name Masdevallia chaparensis. Its cloud forest home in that narrow band of the Andes is similar to this mild climate about 5 miles from the Golden Gate. Since there’s no rain here during summer, I water daily until winter rains resume. It loves a good shot of compost, but growers who use artificial fertilizers should only use weak doses.

Masdevallia flower close upMasdevallia flowerMasdevallia flower

Explore posts in the same categories: Cool Growers, Fertilizing, Mini Orchids, Photos, Watering

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8 Comments on “Masdevallia”

  1. Orange County 146 Says:

    What a Wonderful orchid, keep it up thanks.

  2. Luigi Fulk Says:

    Beautiful photographs! I really appreciate what you’re providing here. Keep going that way. Take care!

  3. Drumwright10 Says:

    You take ve3ry great pictures. Thank you very much for that astonishing article also. This is without peer in that regard. it is your best choice.

  4. Hipolito M Says:

    The close-up is my favorite. Thanks.

  5. Nathalie Cook Says:

    I’m so jealous! YOu have dozens of those flowers blooming for months in your garden!! I wish I could grow them here but we have HOT summers it doesn’t sound like they’d be very happy in my climate.

  6. nancy Says:

    Beautiful! Thanks for the great pictures.

  7. Isabel 91 Says:

    You have really interesting orchids! This looks li!ke it has leopard spots (well, if leopards were purple, I guess)! I really love the colors.

  8. Alexandr Krulik Says:

    *WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share… waiting for more ..