Masdevallia rolfeana

Masdevallia rolfeana is a cool-growing species from the cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama, where it grows as an epiphyte at moderate to high elevation. It is one of the more strikingly coloured species in the genus, with deep crimson to maroon flowers, a strongly hooded upper sepal, an almost lacquered finish and the long tails typical of the group.

About this plant

Flowers are produced singly on upright stems and held clear of the neat, compact foliage. The deep hooded form and the contrast between the dark body and the yellow tail tips set rolfeana apart from the more common orange and striped hybrids.

Masdevallia rolfeana is named in honour of Robert Allen Rolfe, the British botanist who edited the Orchid Review from its founding in 1893. Rarely available in Australia.

Growing conditions

• Cool to intermediate growing; prefers temperatures of 10–24°C with a cool drop at night
• Bright, indirect light, no direct sun
• Keep evenly moist year-round; do not allow to dry out completely
• High humidity preferred: 70–85%
• Good air movement is 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) at flowering size. The photographs show the parent plants.