Images: Flower images show typical blooms of the listed plant or clone where available. Whole-plant images may be representative of growth stage and may vary in size and presentation. Accessory images are representative — colours and minor details may vary slightly. Individual items may differ depending on season and conditions.
Masdevallia polystricta 'John'
Masdevallia polystricta 'John'
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Masdevallia polystricta 'John' 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, polystricta puts on a genuine display.
The flowers of 'John' 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. The effect in full flower is lively and eye-catching — a compact plant that consistently punches above its size.
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.
