Masdevallia virgo-cuencae

A species with a remarkable story of discovery: first found by Father Ángel Andreetta and cultivated in Paute alongside other Masdevallias from the surroundings of Cuenca, it was named virgo-cuencae — the Latin rendering of chola cuencana, in honor of the women of Cuenca. In 1992, José Portilla rediscovered it during a scientific expedition in the province of Morona Santiago, at 850 meters, confirming its place in Ecuador's orchid flora.

• Light: Grow under 50–70% shade cloth; direct sun causes rapid damage to its fine foliage and must be avoided.
• Temperature: Intermediate grower. Daytime 59–72°F (15–22°C), nights 48–57°F (9–14°C). A consistent day-night differential supports healthy growth and flowering.
• Humidity: Requires 75–90% relative humidity; its fine root system benefits greatly from a humidifier with steady air movement to prevent desiccation.
• Watering: Keep evenly and consistently moist; best grown mounted or in a small pot with fine bark to allow the roots to dry slightly between waterings, with more frequent misting during warmer months.

Additional Notes

Grown at Ecuagenera in the highlands of Ecuador under intermediate mountain conditions. Plants are shipped bare root, well-established, and ready to mount or pot in fine bark or sphagnum moss.