Masdevallia barrowii (Big)

A rare and highly sought-after Ecuadorian species bearing flowers with broad, richly pigmented sepals and elegant tail extensions that make it one of the more visually striking members of the genus. Blooms appear successively on upright stems throughout the year under cool, humid conditions. This plant is offered in a larger-than-standard commercial size.

• Light: Moderate indirect light with 50–70% shade cloth; avoid any direct sun to prevent overheating and leaf damage.
• Temperature: Cool grower. Daytime 58–68°F (14–20°C), nighttime 48–55°F (9–13°C); stable cool temperatures are essential for long-term health and blooming.
• Humidity: 70–85%; a humidifier or terrarium with constant air circulation is strongly recommended.
• Watering: Keep the medium evenly moist at all times; never allow roots to dry out completely.

Additional Notes

Native to Ecuador at elevations of 2,000–3,000 meters in cloud forest habitats; best grown in small pots with fine sphagnum moss or mounted on tree fern where humidity remains consistently high.