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 dramatically coloured species in the genus — producing deep crimson to maroon flowers with a strongly hooded upper sepal, rich dark colouration with an almost lacquered quality, and the characteristic long tails of the group.

Flowers are produced singly on upright stems and held clear of the neat, compact foliage. The combination of the deep hooded form and the contrast between the dark body and yellow tail tips gives rolfeana a distinctive presence on the bench that sets it apart from the more common orange and striped hybrids. A true species with real botanical character.

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

Growing Notes

• 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 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.