Zootrophion atropurpureum

Zootrophion atropurpureum is the type species of its genus, native to Cuba, Hispaniola and Jamaica. Its sepals fuse at the tips into a closed box, opened only by small slits at the sides, which gave it its old name Masdevallia fenestrata (‘windowed’). The flowers are a deep oxblood colour, about 2 cm long, on a plant with a single leathery leaf.

What to expect

• Flowers: Dark oxblood, box-like, with small ‘windows’ at the sides.
• Plant: Short stems with a single leathery leaf, sheathed at the base. Miniature.
• Temperature range: Warmer growing than most pleurothallids we stock; keep it at the warm end of your growing area.

Growing notes

• Temperature: Intermediate to warm. Avoid prolonged cold below about 12°C.
• Light: Moderate shade.
• Water: Water regularly year-round; do not let it dry out.
• Humidity & air: High humidity with gentle air movement.

About the name

Also listed as Cryptophoranthus atropurpureus, Masdevallia fenestrata and Pleurothallis atropurpurea. Plants sold under this name are sometimes other Zootrophion species, so we check flowers against reference photos.

Shipping & condition

Supplied at flowering size – either a mature plant or a division from a plant that has already flowered – grown on in the Dandenong Ranges. Plants are packed on Sunday and sent on Monday. Buds and flowers cannot be guaranteed at time of shipping due to seasonal and environmental factors.