Masdevallia sprucei

This plant struggled for many years, just barely hanging on. About a year to a year and a half ago I put it on a heating mat and now it is thriving. I left it on the mount and just buried it up to the roots in fine bark mix.

 

It is a low elevation species, 100 to 900 meters elevation. In my intermediate greenhouse (56F minimum nights) I can grow most things that come from elevations above 1200 meters. Below that can be difficult. When something doesn't thrive (after I have checked for bushsnails) I look up the elevation, weather patterns, habitat etc. to give me a clue to what I might try differently.

 

I usually look first at ISOPE. Jay is very good at getting the spelling and elevations correct. I disregard his cultural advice as to temperature, though.

 

Antonio, I am growing it with a soil temperature of 70F. There are a few that are lowland species and should be able to take the heat. If you are a member of an orchid society, you might ask around. Masdevallia rex is another that does best for me on the heating mat.

Kermie, if I had your attitude of "they get what they get" my life would be a lot simpler and much less expensive. I wouldn't need multiple greenhouses.