Masdevallia Geneva Spot 'Golden Gate'

[MJG]

I just received this beautiful little Masdevallia yesterday. It's not all the way open yet but I could not resist spreading the joy!!!

This is my first ever Masdevallia. I hope I don't kill it. I am in the process of setting up a Wardian case with some small orchids, and this little girl has joined the party.

Pictures attached and more to follow when she's fully open!

[MJG]

Here's another picture, in her full glory now!

[DrDawn]

Wow, that looks great! Beautiful flower! What sorts of humidity are you aiming for in the Wardian case? I've got my first-ever Masdevallia on order and my setup is generally 50-60% humidity.

[DirtyCoconuts]

super cool, i also just learned what a Wardian case was! thanks!

[MJG]

I aim for 70-80% for the masdevallia.

I ran into some trouble with my setup. I have live moss covering the bottom of the case. I mist it every morning. When I keep the case closed all the time, humidity goes well into the 90s! There's no air movement in there, so the masdevallia developed the start of a fungus or rot. I think I've successfully treated that. Now I leave the lid of the case slightly open and put a little fan in it at night. What I've learned is that my masdevallia does love humidity at 70%-80%, but not with stagnant air!

I'll be interested to hear how yours does at 50-60% I have a few more masdevallia on the way and am wondering if I could grow them outside the case.

[DrDawn]

Ah, very good to know, thanks! I'll keep an eye out for that issue if I get a Wardian case set up!