Masdevallia lappifera

A fascinating species with a globose, open-faced flower whose fused sepals form a rounded cup boldly marked with dark spots and a richly contrasting interior, finished with three slender, downward-curving tails that add an elegant, almost whimsical quality to each single-flowered inflorescence.

• Light: Grow under 50–70% shade cloth; direct sun causes rapid leaf scorch and must be avoided.
• Temperature: Cool grower. Daytime 57–68°F (14–20°C), nights 45–54°F (7–12°C). A consistent day-night differential is essential for sustained health and flowering.
• 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 2,000–3,000 meters in cool cloud-forest habitats. Best cultivated in small pots with fine bark or sphagnum moss, or mounted on cork bark or tree fern.