Masdevallia polysticta 'CA'

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

About this plant

'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.

It suits the collector who already knows the classics and wants something of real botanical interest. Rarely available in Australia.

Growing conditions

• Cool-growing; prefers temperatures of 10–20°C with a cool drop at night
• Not suited to warm climates
• 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

What you'll receive

A division (a piece divided from an established plant), supplied as a flowering-size plant. The photographs show the parent plants.