How to Grow Masdevallia 'Prince Charming'
Wikimedia Commons
Masdevallia 'Prince Charming'
Masdevallia × 'Prince Charming'
flowerMasdevallia 'Prince Charming' is a miniature orchid hybrid prized for its distinctive deep burgundy-purple flowers with unique tail-like sepals. This charming orchid produces abundant blooms and is compact enough for windowsill growing. It is epiphytic in nature, thriving in conditions that mimic its cloud forest origins.
When should you plant Masdevallia 'Prince Charming' in your zone?
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Example Masdevallia 'Prince Charming' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Masdevallia 'Prince Charming'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Masdevallia 'Prince Charming' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; typically grown as a houseplant in cooler climates
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Get my Masdevallia 'Prince Charming' timeline →Growth Stages
New Growth/Vegetative
3-4 monthsSmall new shoots and leaves emerge from the base of mature pseudobulbs; foliage is thin, lance-shaped, and dark green
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture; ensure good air circulation; fertilize biweekly with dilute orchid fertilizer
Mature Growth
2-3 monthsPlant develops multiple healthy pseudobulbs clustered together, each with 3-5 narrow leaves; a compact, full specimen forms
Continue regular watering and humidity management; reduce nitrogen and increase phosphorus/potassium in fertilizer to encourage flowering
Flowering Initiation
3-4 weeksFlower spikes emerge from the base of pseudobulbs; buds are tightly clustered and begin showing deep burgundy coloration
Slightly reduce watering frequency (but keep moist); maintain 10-15°F temperature drop at night to trigger blooms; ensure bright light
Flowering
6-12 weeks (can repeat multiple times yearly)Multiple deep purple-burgundy flowers with long, delicate sepals open sequentially; flowers are small (0.5-1 inch) but numerous, creating a colorful display
Maintain high humidity; ensure excellent air circulation to prevent bud drop; avoid moving the plant; light misting is beneficial
Post-Flowering/Rest
4-6 weeksFlowers gradually fade and drop; spikes may produce additional flowers or dry out; plant enters a brief recovery period
Allow light rest period (slightly less water for 2-3 weeks); then resume regular care cycle; remove dead flower spikes after 2 months
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect regularly; isolate affected plants; treat with insecticidal soap or 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs; repeat weekly for 3-4 weeks
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Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray with water to dislodge; apply miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation
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Remove manually with soft brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; inspect frequently and repeat treatments
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Ensure excellent drainage; repot into fresh orchid bark if roots are soft/mushy; reduce watering frequency; improve air circulation
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Caused by low humidity, temperature fluctuations, or moving plant during bloom initiation; maintain stable 60-80% humidity and avoid moving
Uses
Ornamental Display
CraftMasdevallia 'Prince Charming' is prized as a compact, showy orchid perfect for desktops, windowsills, and terrariums. Its abundant deep burgundy flowers provide striking visual interest. [source]
Indoor Plant Accent
HouseholdIts small size and year-round flowering potential make it ideal for adding tropical elegance to homes and offices without requiring much space. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeIn greenhouse or conservatory settings, Masdevallia flowers attract small bees and insects adapted to cloud forest ecosystems. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThough delicate, individual Masdevallia flower spikes can be cut and arranged in water for 2-3 weeks, adding unique texture to floral displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not a harvest plant; instead, enjoy flowers by keeping them on the plant. Flowers last 6-12 weeks and drop naturally. Remove spent flower spikes once completely brown. Masdevallias bloom nearly year-round with proper care, producing sequential flowers rather than a single flush.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Masdevallia orchids are named after José Masdevall, an 18th-century Spanish botanist and horticulturist. The genus contains over 600 species native to Central and South America's misty mountain cloud forests.
- 🌱 The distinctive tail-like sepals on Masdevallia flowers serve an evolutionary purpose—they attract specific insect pollinators in their native habitat and may help with moisture dispersal in humid environments.
- 🌱 Unlike many orchids, Masdevallias prefer cooler temperatures (60-75°F) and actually thrive with nighttime drops to 50-55°F, making them excellent candidates for unheated sunrooms and cool windowsills where other tropical plants struggle.
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