Masdevallia [Red Flamingo ‘R Purple’ x (Myra x Ziegler’s Love)]

The cross between Red Flamingo 'R Purple' and (Myra x Ziegler’s Love) yields vivid triangular blooms in brilliant shades of magenta, lavender, and deep plum, with long tails that give the flowers a graceful, swept-back look. It's not just a pretty face—this hybrid often produces blooms sequentially from the same inflorescence, offering extended visual interest over many weeks. The foliage is compact, tidy, and bright green, making it perfect for a decorative pot or a shaded terrarium display.

🧬 Background & Breeding

Masdevallias hail from the misty cloud forests of the Andes, where cool temperatures, constant humidity, and diffused light dominate. This particular hybrid blends strong blooming traits and compact growth from its parents. Red Flamingo is known for its saturated red-purple hues and floriferous nature, while Myra and Ziegler’s Love both contribute elegance and refined form. The result is a striking plant with excellent bloom potential—often a favorite among collectors for its eye-catching color and manageable size.

☀️ Light

Bright gentle light. Masdevallias prefer dappled conditions that mimic their native cloud forest habitats. Indoors, place near a bright window with filtered morning light. Outdoors in San Francisco, grow in a bright shade spot protected from afternoon sun.

🌡️ Temperature

• Ideal Range: 50–75°F

• Tolerates: Down to ~45°F short-term, but avoid heat over 80°F.

• These are classic cool-to-intermediate growers. In hot weather, ensure excellent air movement and humidity.

💧 Water

Keep evenly moist but never soggy. Water when the top layer of moss or bark feels just slightly dry. Masdevallias despise drying out completely, especially during warm weather.

💧 Tap water is generally safe in San Francisco (Hetch Hetchy), but distilled or rainwater is preferred in areas with hard water.

💨 Humidity & Airflow

• Humidity: 60–85% preferred

• Airflow: Essential to prevent fungal and bacterial issues.
  In San Francisco, ambient humidity is often enough indoors, but a tray with damp sphagnum (not a pebble tray) nearby can help on dry days. Use a small fan or cracked window for airflow if needed.

🌱 Potting & Medium

• Preferred Medium: Fine-grade bark with sphagnum or straight long-fiber sphagnum moss.

• Pot Type: Net pots or shallow orchid pots with excellent drainage.
  Repot every 1–2 years or when the medium breaks down. Keep roots snug but not cramped.

🌸 Blooming

• Bloom Season: Often spring to summer, but can rebloom intermittently.

• Bloom Habit: Single flowers per inflorescence, sometimes sequential.

• Flower Longevity: 2–4 weeks per bloom, with multiple blooms per season possible.

• Deadheading encourages new spikes if the plant is healthy.

🪴 Indoor vs Outdoor Growing (SF Bay Area)

Indoors

• Place in a north- or east-facing window with gentle light.

• Monitor humidity with a digital hygrometer.

• Avoid central heating or direct heat sources.

• Can thrive in orchidariums or covered cases for better humidity control.

Outdoors (SF microclimates)

• Ideal for protected patios, greenhouses, or cool shaded balconies.

• In foggy or mild neighborhoods (Sunset, Daly City, etc.), plants often thrive with little intervention.

• In warmer inland areas (Oakland, Walnut Creek), limit summer exposure and use shade cloth or misters.

💤 Dormancy

None. Masdevallias grow year-round with seasonal bloom flushes. Slight slowdowns may occur in winter due to lower light, but regular care should continue.