Masdevallia veitchiana (Outcross)

Masdevallia veitchiana (Outcross) is a selected plant from an outcross of this iconic Peruvian Andean species. M. veitchiana — named for Harry James Veitch — is arguably the most important species in the genus: its large, bold, intensely orange-red flowers and Andean vigour have made it the foundation parent behind an enormous proportion of cool-growing Masdevallia hybrids worldwide. An outcross (between two unrelated individuals of the species) maintains natural genetic variation while retaining the core species characters — some individual variation in flower size and intensity is to be expected.

What to expect

• Flowering: Single flowers on erect spikes held well clear of the foliage. A well-grown plant produces spikes that rise prominently above the foliage and present the flower face-forward.
• Flowers: Broad, upright flowers with intense orange to red-orange colouration and strong substance. The veitchiana form is distinctive — compact sepal body with relatively reduced tails compared to many hybrids, and concentrated, saturated pigmentation. Some variation in shade and size will occur across outcross plants.
• Plant: Compact to medium Masdevallia habit. Vigorous when cool conditions are met.

Growing notes

• Temperature: Cool to cold. M. veitchiana is a Peruvian Andean cloud forest species at 2,800–4,000 m. Avoid sustained warmth.
• Light: Bright filtered shade. No direct midday sun.
• Water: Keep evenly moist at all times. No pseudobulbs — do not allow to dry out.
• Humidity & air: High humidity with constant gentle air movement. Rainwater or RO water preferred.

Shipping & condition

Supplied as an established division. Buds and flowers cannot be guaranteed at time of shipping due to seasonal and environmental factors.