Masdevallia amabilis originates from north and central Peru. It occurs at elevations of 2000 to 5300 meters above sea level. It grows terrestrially or lithophytically in cool montane forests, as well as on rocky slopes in intense sunlight (for several hours per day).
Masdevallia amabilis also called as The Lovely Masdevallia, Masdevallia amabilis f. flammula, Masdevallia amabilis var. lineata, Masdevallia flammula, is a species of the genus Masdevallia. This species was described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach & Josef Ritter von Rawicz Warszewicz in 1854. The species epithet means deserving or worthy of love and refers to the beauty of the flowers.
IDENTIFY MASDEVALLIA AMABILIS ORCHID PLANT
Masdevallia amabilis originates from north and central Peru. It occurs at elevations of 2000 to 5300 meters above sea level. It grows terrestrially or lithophytically in cool montane forests, as well as on rocky slopes in intense sunlight (for several hours per day).
It is a mini-miniature sized, cold growing terrestrial or lithophytic, cold to warm growing orchid with a very short, inconspicuous ramicaul encased by 2 to 3 short, tubular membraneous sheaths with erect, coriaceous, oblanceolate, acute, leaves with a deep furrow down the center into the channeled petiole. In the wild, the foliage of plants growing in direct sunlight is somewhat yellowed and flowers are paler than those growing in deeper shade.
The Lovely Masdevallia blooms on an apical, erect, reclining or horizontal, slender, terete, to 30 cm long, inflorescence with two distant tubular bracts occuring in the summer through winter with solitary flowers held way above the leaves. This small but beautiful species is well-known for its color variations. The sepals can be bright purple, red, white, or orange; suffused or sometimes veined in red or purple; with long, slender tails that can vary considerably in length. The flowers can range from 3.6 to 10 cm tall. The purple form tends to have somewhat smaller flowers, while the white form is rare in the wild. The yellow to orange specimens are usually larger flowered.
MASDEVALLIA AMABILIS ORCHID PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Masdevallia amabilis like good light, but not direct light. 17000 - 22000 lux is a good amount of light. About 70-90% shade is recommended in summer and 25% shade to full sun in winter. It needs more light than most masdevallias, and increasing light to the point of leaf yellowing may encourage a shy bloomer to flower.
Temperature:
The Lovely Masdevallia like cool growing conditions from 5°C to 25°C. Ideally in winter they like a minimum of 10°C in and a maximum of 13°C. In summer the optimum range is 13 to 20°C. The temperature should not exceed 25°C and temperatures consistently above 30°C will weaken the plants and they may drop their leaves. Ensure 6-12°C day/night difference to aid flower formation.
Humidity:
This orchid prefer high humidity in summer near 75-80% and may need a humidifier over summer. Keep air circulation at all times to prevent water staying on leaves as this will encourage leaf spot.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Masdevallia amabilis can be grown in basket or net pots. They can also be grown in pots or mounted. They prefer a continuously damp medium. Some growers use chopped sphagnum moss mixed with polystyrene chips. Others use a pine bark, polystyrene and coarse perlite mix. A mix of 5 parts bark, 5 parts perlite and 1 part fibrous, not fine, peat moss is recommended. Their roots are small and many and will fill pots very quickly when growing well. Deeper pots are generally used and plants are potted out from being divided into 5cm tubes, 7-10cm pots or 12-15cm pots depending on size.
Repot or divide the plants during the autumn or spring every two years or when they are sufficiently large enough. It is best, as with most plants, to repot when the plants are about to root to minimize disturbance. Huge clumps must be divided as a considerable number of species tend to completely rot from the oldest parts of the clump. Do not bury the base of the plants. Double potting is beneficial to keep the plant roots cool.
Watering:
The Lovely Masdevallia will not tolerate dry conditions and should be kept moist but not soggy. Their roots must be able to dry out slightly between waterings. In hot weather they need daily watering but in spring and autumn weekly watering should suffice. Water in the morning so leaves can be dry by midday. The plants should be provided with rain water or distilled water or a very pure water source. It is preferable to provide a humid environment than keeping roots too wet as they are prone to rotting.
Fertilizer:
Masdevallia amabilis are generally active throughout the year although growth may be slower in winter. Use a balanced fertiliser at 1/4 strength throughout the year; feed at every third or fourth watering. If in doubt do not feed. These plants do not like salt so roots will easily turn brown if over fed. If plants need a boost then a dilute foliar feed can be applied. Higher feeding schedules can be used if the grower masters their culture perfectly well. Do not use lime or dolomite lime.
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