Masdevallia harlequina is found in Peru. This species was discovered in the Huánuco region of Peru (without specific collection data) and cultivated at J & L Orchids of Easton, Connecticut. Its has also been collected in Carpish Tunnel/Pass region of Peru, which is just up the road from the city of Huánuco at an elevation of 2800 meters.
Masdevallia harlequina also called as The Harlequin Masdevallia, is a species of the genus Masdevallia. This species was described by Carlyle August Luer in 1997. This species is named for Harlequin, the clown character of the La Commedia dell’Arte, who is usually depicted with a mask and multicolored tights.
IDENTIFY MASDEVALLIA HARLEQUINA ORCHID PLANT
Masdevallia harlequina is apparently quite rare and endemic to central Peru. This species was discovered in the Huánuco region of Peru (without specific collection data) and cultivated at J & L Orchids of Easton, Connecticut. Its has also been collected in Carpish Tunnel/Pass region of Peru, which is just up the road from the city of Huánuco at an elevation of 2800 meters.
It is a mini-miniature sized, cold growing epiphyte with black, stout, erect ramicauls enveloped basally by 2 to 3 tubular sheaths carrying a single, apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptical, obtuse leaf that is cuneate below into the petiole.
The Harlequin Masdevallia blooms in the fall on a suberect to horizontal, 4 cm long, single flowered inflorescence arising from near the base of the ramicaul with a basal bract and a tubular floral bract holding the single flower under the leaf. The dorsal sepal is pale orange, the lateral sepals are greenish to tan, and all three sepals have small patches of dark purple hairs that appear as spots.
MASDEVALLIA HARLEQUINA 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 harlequina 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 will flower better if receive plenty of light and leaves are pale green rather than dark green when in heavy shade.
Temperature:
The Harlequin Masdevallia like cool growing conditions from 5°C to 25°C and does not do well if grown intermediate. 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 harlequina 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 Harlequin 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 harlequina 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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