Masdevallia veitchiana is a striking botanical orchid from the Andes and is among the most recognizable species within the genus Masdevallia. The species is known for its intensely colored flowers that can display an almost iridescent sheen in the right light. Because of these special color effects, Masdevallia veitchiana has a very distinctive appearance that makes it popular with fans of cool-growing orchids.
Origin
Masdevallia veitchiana is native to the Andes of Peru, where the species grows at high altitudes in mountainous cloud forests. The plants are often found between about 2,000 and 3,500 meters above sea level.
These areas have a relatively cool climate with strong air circulation and high humidity. The species grows there both epiphytically on trees and lithophytically on rocky slopes where organic material accumulates. Fog, mist and regular rainfall provide a consistently humid environment.
Characteristics
Masdevallia veitchiana forms compact plants with narrow, erect leaves growing from short stems. The plant grows in poles and may develop multiple growing points over time.
Flowers appear on slender inflorescence stems that rise above the leaves. As is characteristic of Masdevallia, the flower consists largely of conjoined sepals that form a triangular shape with elongated tips.
Flower color ranges from orange-red to coppery red or purplish. In the right light, the flowers can display a striking sheen as the flower structure reflects the light. This effect makes Masdevallia veitchiana one of the most striking species within the genus.
Care
Light
Masdevallia veitchiana grows best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause leaf damage.
Temperature
This species prefers moderate to cool conditions. Temperatures between about 12 and 22 °C are usually suitable.
Substrate
Use an airy orchid substrate that can retain sufficient moisture, for example, based on fine bark or peat moss.
Humidity
Masdevallia species like relatively high humidity. Humidity between about 60 and 80 percent promotes healthy growth.
Watering
The substrate should not dry out completely. Keep it slightly moist and preferably use demineralized water or rainwater.
Feeding
During the growing period, a slightly diluted orchid food can be given regularly.
Flowering
When the plant is well established, it can produce several flowering stems. Under stable conditions, Masdevallia veitchiana can flower regularly.
The legend of Waqanki
In the mountains of Peru, near the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu, Masdevallia veitchiana grows. In the Quechua language, this orchid is known as Waqanki, a name associated with an ancient Inca legend.
According to tradition, Waqanki was a beautiful Inca princess who fell in love with a young warrior. Her father, the Inca king, forbade this love and did not allow them to see each other anymore.
The princess then fled into the mountains and moved higher and higher into the Andes. There she prayed to Inti, the sun god of the Incas, and begged him for her lover.
Legend has it that her tears turned into brilliant flowers that would continue to bloom high in the mountains. Thus, according to the story, the Waqanki was born.
Today, when one sees this orchid blooming in the Andes, one still remembers the legend of the princess and her story.
