Masdevallia veitchiana 'Prince de Galle'

Masdevallia veitchiana — "Veitch's Masdevallia" or "King of the Masdevallias" — is arguably the most important species in the genus, native exclusively to the Cusco region of Peru around Machu Picchu, at 2,000–4,000 m. Discovered by Richard Pearce for Veitch Nurseries in 1867 and named for Harry Veitch, it's known in Peru as gallo-gallo ("rooster") and in Quechua as waqanki. Its large orange flowers are covered in iridescent purple hairs that create a shifting, prismatic colour effect depending on viewing angle and light.

'Prince de Galle' is one of the most enduringly awarded clones of the species, with 4 recorded awards spanning 1971–2018. It is also noted in Masdevallias: Gems of the Orchid World as the yellow carrier behind the yellow form of Falcata.

What to expect

• 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, and concentrated, saturated pigmentation.
• Plant: Compact to medium Masdevallia habit, vigorous when cool conditions are met.

Growing notes

• Temperature: Cool to cold. Peruvian Andean cloud forest species at 2,000–4,000 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.