Named in honor of the botanist Ramón Vargas Calderón, Masd. vargasii is a well-regarded intermediate-growing species from Ecuador, valued for its consistent flowering and compact habit. Also available in a rare yellow-flowered selection, the standard form displays the characteristic floral quality that has made it a staple in Masdevallia collections.

• 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.