Botanical species of the genus Masdevallia, native to the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, Masdevallia ignea inhabits areas at altitudes between 2600 and 3800 m.
A small-sized taxon that prefers cool climate and terrestrial habitats, Masdevallia ignea differs from most orchids by the absence of storage organs for water and nutrients, the species' survival depending exclusively on the availability of necessary resources, an aspect indicating to the grower the need for frequent fertilizer application and frequent watering.
The recognized synonyms for this species are Masdevallia boddaertii Linden ex André 1879; Masdevallia ignea f. citrina (Stein) O.Gruss & M.Wolff 2007; Masdevallia ignea var. armeniaca B.S.Williams 1894; Masdevallia ignea var. aurantiaca B.S.Williams 1894; Masdevallia ignea var. boddaertii Linden ex André 1879; Masdevallia ignea var. citrinaStein 1892; Masdevallia ignea var. coccinea Stein 1892; Masdevallia ignea var. goorii Sander 1901; Masdevallia igneavar. grandiflora B.S.Williams 1894; Masdevallia ignea var. hobartii Stein 1892; Masdevallia ignea var. marschallianaRchb.f. 1872; Masdevallia ignea var. massangeana B.S.Williams 1887; Masdevallia ignea var. pulchra Vuylsteke ex Cogn. 1897; Masdevallia ignea var. rubescens Linden ex Kraenzl. 1925; Masdevallia ignea var. splendens Stein 1892; Masdevallia ignea var. stobartiana Rchb.f. 1881; Masdevallia ignea var. superba Linden ex Kraenzl. 1925; Masdevallia ignea var. tomasonii Gentil 1907; Masdevallia ignea var. vuylstekeana Cogn. 1897;
Anatomically, Masdevallia ignea has vigorous, erect stems, basally covered by 2-3 tubular sheaths bearing suberect, elliptic-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, leathery, dark green leaves, narrowly wedge-shaped at the lower part, where a grooved petiole is distinguished. The flowers are unique, singular, arranged at the top of relatively long flower stalks, about 30 – 37.5 cm, which develop well above the foliage and emerge from the base of the leaves. They have an impressive red color, which alludes, through the species name, to the color of fire - ignis; they can appear 2-3 times throughout the year, but the massive flowering period is definitely associated with the end of December.
Enriching the specimen collection is particularly easy, involving only dividing the clumps, as long as at least 5-6 stems and a sufficiently developed root system are maintained for each division to allow the survival of the specimens. The ideal time for this operation is during the cold season, when the stress of adapting to high temperatures can be avoided, allowing the plants to adapt more easily.
In nature, the species populates shaded locations, with a light intensity of approximately 13000 lux, similar to the light intensity required for Phalaenopsis species, but it can tolerate values up to 37000 lux at the upper limit of the range. It is advisable, during the warm season, to avoid overexposing the plants to very strong light, especially if it is associated with increased temperature. In cultivation, very good plant development is noted under artificial light with standard fluorescent tubes, as well as when plants are positioned on window sills with east or south exposure (shaded).
The temperature recommended for the growth of this species will be cool to intermediate, as the plants cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to high temperatures, when growth reduction or even stagnation will be observed. Coolness during the evening yields remarkable results regarding the taxon's ability to tolerate high temperatures. The ideal night temperature is 12 - 15 °C, with the daytime temperature being 18 - 23 °C. To achieve a temperature decrease, humidifiers or water evaporation trays can be used, which also help maintain high humidity suitable for this species. It is recommended to avoid daytime temperatures above 27 °C. In cases where hot periods are noticed during the summer, it is recommended to keep the plants in the shade to reduce thermal stress, lowering the temperature at the leaf level.
Proper watering is the key factor in the cultivation of Masdevallia species. The ideal range is 60 - 80% - in this regard, trays with gravel and water can be used, on which the culture containers can be placed. During the summer period, frequent watering by submersion is recommended, which also helps lower the temperature of the plants. Complete drying of the roots will never be allowed before a new watering. If proper drainage is ensured, it is allowed to keep the roots constantly moist. Regarding the root system, Masdevallia is relatively similar to species of the genus Paphiopedilum, presenting fine structures, in the form of hairs, at the root level.
To prevent diseases and the onset of fungal or bacterial conditions, whose incidence increases in the humid environment necessary for the cultivation of Masdevallia species, good ventilation is the key to success. At the same time, periodic spraying of the leaves helps maintain adequate humidity and hydration.
Fertilizations will be administered regularly, with a diluted solution, during the active growth period of the plants. The application of 30 - 10 - 10 type formulas every two weeks is indicated if the plants are grown in a bark-based medium, and the application of 20 - 20 - 20 type formulas for plants grown in other types of media. If the sky is cloudy, fertilizations can be applied monthly. Masdevallia does not adapt well to hard water, making it necessary to partially or fully demineralize it by decanting or boiling. Rainwater and water obtained from melting snow are ideal in this respect, but a commercially available and easily accessible option is demineralized water, used for automobiles. The recommended dilution for fertilization is 25% of the concentration indicated by the manufacturer, especially in the case of hard water. After fertilizations, it is recommended to irrigate by soaking to reduce unused fertilizer.
The recommended growing medium is sphagnum moss, which will be used at every pot change, an intervention that must be done more frequently than with other orchid species, at least once every 1 - 2 years, before the medium decomposes. It is recommended to use media with a fine structure, such as small-grain bark, possibly mixed with sphagnum moss. When changing pots and dividing clumps, it is recommended to place new growths as far from the edge of the pot as possible to allow their development in greater numbers without being restricted by the container. Plants with multidirectional growth will be placed in the center of the pot, ensuring that the roots are placed above and around a quantity of growing medium previously placed in the pot, then covered with growing medium until the pot is filled. When using sphagnum moss, it is recommended to check its degree of decomposition at intervals of no more than 9 months.
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