Masdevallia lehmannii

One of the showiest species in the genus, producing a pendant raceme bearing multiple flowers simultaneously along the rachis — each with small, open sepals dotted with dark spots and three long, slender, downward-curving tails that create a cascading, almost chandelier-like effect when in full bloom.

• Light: Grow under 50–70% shade cloth; direct sun causes rapid leaf scorch and must be avoided.
• Temperature: Cool grower. Daytime 57–68°F (14–20°C), nights 45–54°F (7–12°C). A consistent day-night differential supports vigorous growth and reliable blooming.
• Humidity: Requires 75–90% relative humidity; humidity trays or a humidifier with steady air movement keep conditions optimal.
• Watering: Maintain even moisture year-round; mounted plants need more frequent watering than potted ones, with a modest reduction during the coolest months.

Additional Notes

Native to Ecuador at elevations of 2,000–3,000 meters in cool cloud-forest habitats, named in honor of Friedrich Carl Lehmann. Best cultivated mounted on cork bark or tree fern to accommodate its rambling habit, or in shallow pots with fine bark or sphagnum moss.