This is a miniature epiphyte from Peru and Ecuador where it grows at elevations of 1500 to 1900 meters. It is a fast growing caespitose species, which means that it forms dense tufts. I grow it mounted on EpiWeb in the cool vivarium at medium light levels. The plant is definitely best displayed mounted, when potted it was really hard to see the flowers since they kind of hide under the leaves. I actually managed to bloom this on the windowsill too, but I only got 2 flowers last season. So this incredible display is quite a result after only about a month in the new cool viv – and proof of concept on the climate in there as well!
I actually bought this as Masdevallia herradurae, but my flowers are significantly larger, have a lot more red in them (rather than brown), and the shape of the flower is different too. The long sepal tails are set wider apart and the flowers sit on a longer inflorescence. When looking into it more I think what I actually have is Masdevallia roseola (thanks for the ID Anders & Lasse). Well, I bought this plant from Orchids & More, and I am sad to say that half of the stuff that comes from them is mislabeled…
I really like this little Masdevallia. I like how large the flowers are in relation to the plant and I think the shape is very nice too – nicer than that of M. herradurae. All in all I think Masdevallia roseola is the nicer looking plant of the two, so I guess I should just be happy and shut up…
