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 hybrids exist, and Monica is the best known. From veitchiana it inherits substantial flower size and warm amber-gold colouring. From Porroglossum echidnum it inherits something 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 unlike anything else in the Pleurothallidinae.

About this plant

• Flowering: Single flowers on erect spikes. It can produce several spikes at once and may rebloom from the same spike, so do not cut old spikes until they die back naturally.
• Flowers: Large, warm amber-gold with orange-red shading at the dorsal, crossed lateral tails and a dark red-maroon centre. The dorsal tail is very long and arching.
• Lip: The Porroglossum parent contributes the trigger lip, which snaps shut when touched. It is a pollination mechanism and is harmless in cultivation.
• Plant: Compact, vigorous and free-flowering for an intergeneric hybrid.

Growing conditions

• Temperature: Cool to intermediate, 5°C to 22°C. Treat it as you would a cool-growing Masdevallia. It needs cool nights and is not suited to warm climates.
• Light: Bright filtered light. No direct midday sun.
• Water: Keep evenly moist at all times. Do not allow it to dry out. Rainwater or RO water is preferred.
• Humidity and air: 60% or higher, with constant gentle air movement.

What you'll receive

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