Masdevallia leonardoi

A vigorous and free-flowering species that produces several blooms simultaneously from the base of the plant, each with widely spreading open sepals and long, slender, gracefully curving tails that extend well beyond the flower, creating a lively, animated display among the foliage.

• Light: Grow under 50–70% shade cloth; direct sun causes rapid leaf scorch and must be avoided.
• Temperature: Intermediate to cool grower. Daytime 61–72°F (16–22°C), nights 48–57°F (9–14°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 1,500–2,500 meters in humid montane forest habitats, named in honor of Leonardo Arias. Best cultivated in small to medium pots with fine bark or sphagnum moss, or mounted on cork bark or tree fern.