Masdevallia heathii ‘Elena’

🧬 Background & Breeding

The Masdevallia heathii grex is a primary hybrid between Masdevallia ignea and Masdevallia veitchiana, both beloved for their vivid coloration and robust form. ‘Elena’ is a select cultivar known for her saturated peach-orange tones and refined flower shape. The influence of M. veitchiana brings iridescence and warmth, while M. ignea contributes compact stature and strong spike production. The result is a reliable, small-growing orchid with generous blooming potential and visual impact.

☀️ Light

Bright gentle light. Mimic cloud forest conditions—indirect light, never direct sun. Indoors, place near an east- or north-facing window. Outdoors in coastal California, thrive in bright shade or dappled light.

🌡️ Temperature

• Ideal Range: 50–75°F

• Tolerates: Occasional lows near 45°F and short spikes up to 80°F, but avoid prolonged warmth.
  Masdevallias are cool to intermediate growers that prefer steady temperatures.

💧 Water

Keep evenly moist but not soggy. Water as soon as the top layer of moss or bark feels slightly dry. Avoid letting the roots dry out completely.

💧 Hetch Hetchy tap water is generally safe in San Francisco. Elsewhere, consider rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water for best results.

💨 Humidity & Airflow

• Humidity: 60–85% ideal

• Airflow: Necessary to prevent fungal or bacterial issues.
  In coastal areas (SF, Daly City, Pacifica), ambient humidity may be sufficient indoors. A small fan or open window helps improve air exchange if growing under cover.

🌱 Potting & Medium

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

• Pot Type: Plastic or net pots with excellent drainage and moderate root snugness.
  Repot every 1–2 years, especially if using sphagnum, which breaks down faster.

🌸 Blooming

• Bloom Season: Often spring and fall, but may bloom more frequently in ideal conditions.

• Bloom Habit: Single flowers per inflorescence, upright.

• Flower Longevity: ~2–3 weeks
  Regular feeding and stable conditions promote repeat blooming throughout the year.

🪴 Indoor vs Outdoor Growing (SF Bay Area)

Indoors

• Best near a cool, bright window.

• Ideal candidate for terrariums, orchidariums, or covered display cases with added humidity.

• Protect from dry heat or blasts of warm air from vents.

Outdoors (SF microclimates)

• Does well on shaded porches, cool patios, or foggy balconies with protection from sun and wind.

• In foggy western neighborhoods, can be grown outside year-round.

• In warmer inland zones (Oakland, San Jose), restrict to spring/fall or provide added cooling in summer.

💤 Dormancy

None. Masdevallia heathii ‘Elena’ grows continuously with seasonal surges in bloom production. Continue consistent care throughout the year, with only slight adjustments in winter if light levels drop.