Masdevallia leontoglossa

Also known as: The Lion Tongued Masdevallia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

The Lion Tongued Masdevallia is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 2-21cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 1.5-18cm long

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Summer, Autumn and Spring

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Spring
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 20mm to 94mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 10C to 17C, highest in August (11C to 17C) and lowest in September (10C to 16C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does well mounted to Cork slabs. Repotting is best done annually.