Masdevallias are closely related to Draculas (see yesterday’s post -Dracula deltoidea) and this floriferous miniature orchid is a very reliable Christmas time orchid with its relatively large flowers with a yellow ground and heavy read striping,.

Masdevallia garciae is endemic to Venezuela where it grows at elevations from 1200 to 1500m in coastal forests, and experiences evenly cool and wet conditions throughout the year.

We grow plants in pots and baskets in our Cool Americas section where it grows glossy 6cm leaves and the 1cm flowers on upright 5cm stems that look at you and demand a close inspection. The species really resents periods of dry and so we grow the species low down where wet conditions can be guaranteed.