Masdevallia [(Myra x coccinea) x Red Flamingo ‘Royal Purple’]

Masdevallia [(Myra × coccinea) × Red Flamingo ‘Royal Purple’]

Royal Purple Masdevallia (Hybrid Orchid)

This radiant hybrid brings together three exceptional lineages—Myra, coccinea, and Red Flamingo ‘Royal Purple’—to produce a plant of compact habit with stunningly intense coloration. The flowers are rich magenta to royal purple, often saturated and velvety in texture, with a clean, triangular form and elongated sepals that give the blooms an almost animated quality.

With parentage rooted in the cool Andean cloud forests, this Masdevallia hybrid thrives in consistently moist, cool conditions with high humidity and gentle airflow. It's a rewarding bloomer that provides brilliant color contrast against its soft green foliage.

Care Guide

• Light: Bright, filtered light. Avoid direct sun exposure, especially during midday.

• Water: Keep the growing medium evenly moist at all times using distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water. Do not allow to dry out.

• Humidity: Requires high humidity (60–80%) and good airflow to prevent fungal issues.

• Temperature: Cool to intermediate temperatures preferred (55–75°F). Avoid excessive heat or dry indoor air.

• Soil: Plant in a fine-grain orchid mix such as sphagnum moss with added perlite or fine bark.

• Fertilizer: Apply diluted orchid fertilizer (at ¼ strength) every 2–3 weeks during active growth.

Blooms

This hybrid typically blooms in spring and fall, but with steady care it may flower multiple times per year. The blooms are a deep royal purple, occasionally veined or shaded, and held singly on slender upright stems. Each flower lasts several weeks and makes a strong visual impact despite the plant’s compact size.

How to Grow Indoors 

Place near a bright, indirect light source such as an east- or north-facing window. Maintain stable temperatures and humidity levels around 60–80%, which are often naturally present in many San Francisco homes, believe it or not (thanks, fog). Avoid placing near heat sources. Supplemental grow lights may be used in low-light months. Ensure airflow with an open potting system and avoid waterlogged conditions.

How to Grow Outdoors (San Francisco)

This orchid can grow outdoors in San Francisco with care. Position in a cool, shaded, and wind-protected area such as a covered patio, balcony, or shade house. Avoid afternoon sun and shelter from temperature extremes. Bring indoors or provide protection during cold snaps below 45°F or unseasonal heat waves. Monitor moisture levels regularly, especially during dry periods.

Why We Love It

With its bold jewel-toned blooms and compact, tidy form, this Masdevallia hybrid is a standout in any cool-grower collection. It offers a stunning visual reward for attentive growers and thrives in San Francisco’s unique microclimate, whether grown indoors or out.