Masdevallia herradurae xanthina

The xanthina form of Masd. herradurae stands out for its luminous yellow flowers, where the three sepals fuse at the base into a characteristic synsepal before tapering into slender, elongated tails — a hallmark of the genus. Blooms emerge successively on upright, single-flowered stems from a compact, tufted plant.

• Light: Low to moderate indirect light with 60–70% shade cloth; avoid any direct sun exposure, which quickly damages the delicate foliage.
• Temperature: Intermediate to cool grower. Daytime temperatures of 60–70°F (15–21°C) and nighttime lows of 50–58°F (10–14°C); consistent cool nights are essential for sustained health and flowering.
• Humidity: 75–90% relative humidity; Masdevallias are highly sensitive to dry air and benefit greatly from a humidifier or enclosed growing environment with steady airflow.
• Watering: Keep the medium evenly moist at all times; never allow the roots to dry out completely. Water every 3–5 days and ensure excellent drainage to prevent rot.

Additional Notes

The epithet xanthina (from Greek, "yellow") denotes this distinctive yellow-flowered form. Best grown mounted on tree fern or cork bark, or in small pots with fine bark or sphagnum moss to maintain the constant moisture this species requires.