Masdevallia polysticta 'CA'

Masdevallia polysticta 'CA' is a selected clone of this distinctive cool-growing species, notable for one of the more unusual traits in the genus — multi-flowered racemes that carry several blooms simultaneously on a single arching stem. Where most Masdevallia produce flowers singly, polysticta puts on a genuine display.

'CA' is considered the best form of the species in general cultivation. Flowers are white to cream, heavily scattered with magenta-purple spots and dashes across the sepals, with a prominent red column at the centre and characteristic yellow-green tails. This clone is tightly held and rarely offered.

A genuinely unusual species for the collector who already knows the classics and is looking for something with real botanical interest. Rarely available in Australia.

Growing Notes

• Cool-growing; prefers temperatures of 10–20°C with a cool drop at night
• Bright, indirect light — avoid direct sun
• Keep evenly moist year-round; sensitive to drying out
• High humidity preferred: 70–85%
• Excellent air movement essential
• Repot every 2–3 years in fine bark or sphagnum moss

The photographs show the parent plants. Division supplied as a flowering-size plant.