Fairly Easy Orchids – Masdevallia Mary Staal

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Blooming, Care and Culture, Classification, Growing Indoors

I define “fairly easy” orchids as those that, while suitable for a beginner, may not be quite as tolerant of less than ideal conditions as the “easy” orchids.

New Masdevallia hybrids such as this outstanding clone bred in 1981 are becoming more readily available thanks to the extensive breeding program being carried out in the United States. This is creating a new generation of vigorous plants in a multitude of colors. White, however, is still the more unusual and this lovely variety has yellow-tipped tails to its broad sepals. The petals and lip are minute, and are hidden out of sight inside the tube formed by the sepals at the base of the flower. The plant does best in a cool environment where it needs shade for most of the year except during the shortest days. Keep it moist, but be careful not to overwater. The blooms are born singly on the spike held well above the foliage and will last for two to three weeks in the summer. A large plant with numerous flower spikes will flower much longer than this.

Flower Size: 1 1/4 inches (3cm) across

Flower Spike: 10 inches (25cm)

Plant Height: 6 inches (15cm)

Pot Size: 3 1/2 inches (9cm)