Masdevallia nivea

We have another Masdevallia flowering in the greenhouse this week with wonderfully large flowers and a compact habit - Masdevallia nivea.

Masdevallia nivea is native to Colombia and we will soon be anouncing our new partnership with Colombian conservation. This wonderful country has the richest orchid diversity of any country in the world and this beautiful masdevallia is found in North East Colombia in cool wet forest at around 2800m and we replicate these conditions by grwoing plants in our cloud forest greenhouse (min 12C) low down where it receives shade and protection from high temperatures.

As you can see this plant is mounted which is great for showing off the large flowers on this small plant (leaves are only 7cm long) but plants also do well in pots.

The name Nivea means 'the white Masdevallia' which is a bit misleading as the flower has a creamy yellow dorsal sepal, yellow tails and a cream blush to the base of the other petals - stunning.