Masdevallia goliath

[Bolero]

To me this is a really special species, it's taken me 5 years to flower and as you can see it's a small plant. I had a lot of trouble growing it in coconut and have grown it in sphagnum moss before finally getting it to flower. The cultural information I can find indicates it should grow warmer than many other Masdevallias, maybe a minimum of 55F (although I've been growing it down to freezing). It has thick fleshy and low growing leaves that sort of hang. This is probably a species that might do better mounted but I don't have that kind of luxury. Initially the flower tried to grow downwards like a dracula but it was forced up by the side of the pot......interesting. It is also a very thick flower that has a lot of substance. I am not sure what else to tell you but it's one of the toughest things I've ever flowered and I am extremely proud of it. It's also an excellent flower for a seedling when I compare it to others. It is just a huge flower on a small plant.

[Paul Mc]

Beautiful! Well worth your hard work! Good luck in future years - hopefully this means you've figured out it's blooming secret!

[Tindomul]

I love it!! But I question the name. It really looks more like a princeps or regina. See my article on this section of masdies here
Masdevallia section Durae, or Regalia
Go to the second page to see the article with pictures.

[RosieC]

Really nice one, whatever the name.

[quiltergal]

That's very nice! It really does resemble princeps. I have one that has yet to flower. I don't think I've found it's happy spot on the shelf yet.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Bolero

The cultural information I can find indicates it should grow warmer than many other Masdevallias, maybe a minimum of 55C (although I've been growing it down to freezing).

Egads! Where do you keep it -- in an oven?! LOL

It looks like princeps to me as well.

[WhiteRabbit]

WOW! that's spectacular! You certainly should be proud!

[Bolero]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

I love it!! But I question the name. It really looks more like a princeps or regina. See my article on this section of masdies here
Masdevallia section Durae, or Regalia
Go to the second page to see the article with pictures.

Ok now you have me wondering. I received it from a good source but that doesn't mean it will be the right species. Does princeps grow very large as well?

Geez, I haven't seen much of either species and the photos I've seen say this one could be goliath but now looking at photos of princeps you might be right I think.

[Bolero]

P.S. Just had a closer look and I think it's most likely princeps and not regina. You are right, this is very different to goliath.

Well that's sort of disappointing.......;-)

[quiltergal]

You shouldn't be too disappointed. Princeps is just as big a pain in the you know what to get to bloom. So you've done very very well.