Orchid of the day: Masdevallia Elven Magic

Masdevallia Elven Magic

Masdevallia Elven Magic is a primary hybrid between Masd. davisii and Masd. infracta.  The plant was given to us as a reward by the Maryland Orchid Society when our Paphiopedilum philippinense became the judges’ choice in May this year.  The genus Masdevallia is comprised of species that like cold or cool conditions and high relative humidity.  Most people cannot provide such conditions all year round and Masdevallia has therefore gotten the reputation of being a genus for specialists.  Luckily some species are more tolerant of warmer conditions and one of parents to Elven Magic, Masd. infracta, is one of those warmer growing species.  Well, we still have doubts about growing Masdevallia.  Time will tell.

A) A picture of our Masdevallia Elven Magic in the shade.

B) So far we have three flowers and two developing buds.

C) A closer look at our almost blood red flowers.

D) The hue changes with natural light.

I hope you enjoyed the photos in my post today.

Until next time, have a great week!

Orchid of the day: Paphiopedilum charlesworthii

Paphiopedilum charlesworthii

Paph. charlesworthii hails from the area where China, Thailand and Burma intersect.  It is considered a cool growing species but Arne believes that it does well in a temperate climate. However, it does require a somewhat cooler temperatures in Winter and Spring to induce blooming.

We acquired this plant in March this year and we did expect it to bloom this fall. It is a young plant, though, which can explain why the flower is a bit smaller and less open than expected.  A flatter flower would be ideal. It is still impressive with its shiny flower in brown and white and oversized pink dorsal sepal.

A) A new bud in late September.

B) The developing bloom.

C) The young flower opening on October 4th.

D) Zooming in the young flower.

E) October 7th, enjoying the late Summer in Baltimore.

F) Beautifully opened bloom.

G) Enjoying the first real day of Fall, October 14th.

H) A final profile of our Paph. charlesworthii.

That's the end of my post today, hope you enjoyed the photos. 

Until next time, as usual, have a great week everyone!