Porrovallia Monica

Porrovallia Monica is an intergeneric hybrid between Masdevallia veitchiana and Porroglossum echidnum, registered by Ray Thomson in 1996. Porrovallia is the hybrid genus formed when Masdevallia and Porroglossum are crossed — relatively few of these intergeneric hybrids exist, and Monica is the best known. From veitchiana it inherits substantial flower size and the warm amber-gold colouring; from Porroglossum echidnum it inherits something altogether more unusual — a sensitive, hinged trigger lip that snaps shut when touched, trapping visiting insects momentarily before releasing them. In cultivation this mechanism is harmless, but it makes the flower genuinely unlike anything else in the Pleurothallidinae.

What to expect

• Flowering: Single flowers on erect spikes. Can produce multiple spikes simultaneously, with the potential to rebloom from the same spike — do not cut old spikes until they die back naturally.
• Flowers: Large, warm amber-gold with orange-red shading at the dorsal, dramatically crossed lateral tails, and a dark red-maroon centre. The dorsal tail is extraordinarily long and arching. A genuinely alien-looking flower that stops people in their tracks.
• Lip: The Porroglossum parent contributes a sensitive trigger lip — it snaps shut when touched. This is a pollination mechanism and is harmless in cultivation.
• Plant: Compact, vigorous, and free-flowering for an intergeneric hybrid.

Growing notes

• Temperature: Cool to intermediate. Treat as you would a cool-growing Masdevallia.
• Light: Bright filtered shade. No direct midday sun.
• Water: Keep evenly moist at all times. Do not allow to dry out.
• Humidity & air: High humidity with constant gentle air movement. Rainwater or RO water preferred.
• Spikes: Leave old spikes intact — they may rebloom from the same stem.

Shipping & condition

You will receive Porrovallia Monica as an established division. Buds and flowers cannot be guaranteed at time of shipping due to seasonal and environmental factors.