Masdevallia Harlequin 'Beenak' × datura

This is a division from a selected seedling of the cross Masdevallia Harlequin 'Beenak' × M. datura, an unregistered breeding line. It combines the Beall hybrid Masdevallia Harlequin (M. yungasensis × M. uniflora, 1987) with the large, scented Bolivian species M. datura. The result is a freely flowering, white-ground plant with delicate pink-mauve veining. The clean ground colour and generous flower size come from the datura parent, and the intricate vein pattern from the Harlequin lineage.

About this plant

• Flowering: Exceptionally floriferous. A well-established plant carries a large number of spikes at once, making a massed white display. Spikes are suberect, holding the flowers outward and slightly downward from the plant.
• Flowers: White to pale lavender-white ground with fine pink-mauve veining running through all three sepals. Yellow-green centre and throat, and yellow-green tails on all three sepals. The form is large, open and triangular, and the datura influence is clear in the flower size. Fragrance is likely: M. datura is noted for heavily scented flowers and this character can carry into crosses.
• Plant: Small, upright and compact. It forms a clump when established and gives its massed display in peak flowering condition.

Growing conditions

• Temperature: Cool to intermediate, about 5°C to 22°C. The datura parent is a cold-growing Bolivian species from 2,500 m, and this cross will appreciate cool conditions. Cool nights are required. Avoid sustained warmth; it is not suited to warm climates.
• Light: Bright filtered light. No direct midday sun.
• Water: Keep evenly moist at all times. With no pseudobulbs there are no water reserves, so do not allow it to dry out.
• Humidity and air: Humidity of 60% or higher, with constant gentle air movement. Rainwater or RO water is preferred.

What you'll receive

You will receive an established, flowering-size division from the cross Masdevallia Harlequin 'Beenak' × M. datura. Buds and flowers cannot be guaranteed at the time of shipping, due to seasonal and environmental factors.