Most of them are cool growers and can be found at high altitudes in mountainous cloud forests, where they thrive in high humidity. Some species grow right in the snow, and it is not uncommon to see them covered with a light layer of snow due to the rapid melting of snow.
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Light
In the wild, lamellar species mostly grow in shady conditions (about 1200 foot-candles), so if a hand were to run over the leaf, it wouldn’t cast a shadow. However, there are some species of thicker leaves that tolerate fairly bright sunlight (about 3500 foot-candles). In the summer, do not expose the plant to direct sunlight.
Temperature and humidity
Most of the Masdevallia are growing cooler. Many hobbyists successfully grow this orchid in an air-conditioned room or in the basement under lights. These species prefer daytime temperatures of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), with nighttime temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (5°C to 16°C). The colder you grow these orchids, the harder they will be. At lower temperatures, flowers will also grow for a longer time. This results in a larger hatch size, as well as improved color and shape. During the summer, some heat waves are almost inevitable, sometimes lasting several weeks. When this happens, the plant will become stressed and possibly black spot. Keep the plant in the shade thoroughly during this time to reduce the leaf temperature as much as possible.
There are several species of Masdevallia that do well in warmer areas where summer night temperatures are above 70°F (21°C). These species include Masd. floribunda, Masd. Striatella, Mass. kuhniorum, Masd. two colors var. infracta, Masd. rima var. alba, Masd. Bangi, Mass. minuta, Masd. attenuata and Masd. echo. Daytime temperatures should still remain below 80°F (27°C).
Masdevallia greatly benefits from high humidity around 70%. This can be achieved at home with the use of a humidifier or a Humidifier and Mesh Tray. Just make sure the plant doesn’t get waterlogged or the roots will rot.
Sprinklers
If you examine the roots of these orchids, you will discover many fine hairs similar to the root structure on Paphiopedilum. It is best to water thin leaf species when they approach light moisture, to the touch the medium is still moist but the pot is lightly lit. Thick-leaved, thick-leaved species prefer a dry approach at the roots, when exposed to a slightly moist environment.
What’s interesting is that we’ve found that if you keep your plants drier at the roots during heatwaves, you’ll avoid stem rot, which can happen very quickly. Lightly spraying the leaves will help keep the leaves from wilting. Once the temperature starts to cool down, resume regular watering.
We always recommend watering in the morning, as this gives the leaves time to dry and prevents bacteria from growing overnight. If possible, use water that is low in alkalinity, such as rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. If you have a dehumidifier in your home, the water left in the tray will be great for watering the orchid.
Potting
Masdevallia thrives in well-ventilated environments, holds plenty of moisture, and drains well when watering.
