A Sparkling White Masdevallia Orchid
These stunning white Masdevallia flowers are remarkable for their beauty, and also for what they show about orchid variability. Masdevallia coccinea is native to Colombia, where it lives high in the Andes from 8000-11,000 feet (approx. 2500-3500 m.) Known in Spanish as la banderita (little flag,) this species comes in a range of distinct colors. Each color appeals to different pollinators at different elevations, with white and yellow in higher altitudes.
I bought this plant last summer at Orchids in the Park, and it’s putting on an amazing display for its first bloom. It’s meeting the very high standards of the two other color varieties I’ve grown for years, the yellow and hot pink ones shown in the final row of photos. They’re great examples of how much orchids may differ, but still be considered the same species.
No matter its hue, this species needs regular watering, cool temps, good humidity, and strong air movement. I grow my plants outdoors all year on the foggy Northern California coast. In these cool conditions, they’re happy with morning sun. They get light doses of fertilizer, and definitely enjoy an occasional dose of worm castings, also. If I find any more colors for sale, you can be sure that I’m going to add them to my collection.
Explore posts in the same categories: Cool Growers, Fertilizing, Growing, Photos, Watering
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