Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asparagales
Species:
excelsior
ID:
237808

Status:
valid

Authors:
Luer & Andreetta

Source:
wcs

Year:
1981

Citation Micro:
Selbyana 5: 393 (1981)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000237140



Common Names

  • Excelsior Masdevallia
  • Masdevallia Excelsior
  • Excelsior Orchid


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Synonyms

  • Alaticaulia excelsior (Luer & Andreetta) Luer [unknown]

Description

Masdevallia excelsior (also called 'Excelsior Masdevallia', among many other common names) is a small to medium sized epiphytic orchid with a single, erect, leafy stem. It is native to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, and is found growing in humid montane forests at elevations of 1000-2000 meters. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity.

Uses & Benefits

Masdevallia excelsior is an ornamental plant, often used in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in floral arrangements and bouquets. The flowers are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Masdevallia excelsior is a small, tubular bloom with a yellow-green color. It has a long, thin stem and a single petal. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedling is a small, green plant with a single stem and two small leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Masdevallia excelsior is a terrestrial orchid native to Colombia. It can be grown in a pot or in the ground in a well-draining medium. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered regularly. Propagation is done by division of the clump or by seed.

Where to Find Masdevallia excelsior

Masdevallia excelsior is native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

Masdevallia excelsior FAQ

What is the ideal temperature for Masdevallia excelsior?

Masdevallia excelsior prefers temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C)

What type of light does Masdevallia excelsior need?

Masdevallia excelsior needs bright, indirect light.

How often should Masdevallia excelsior be watered?

Masdevallia excelsior should be watered every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Species in the Masdevallia genus

Masdevallia abbreviata, Masdevallia acrochordonia, Masdevallia adamsii, Masdevallia adrianae, Masdevallia aenigma, Masdevallia agaster, Masdevallia aguirrei, Masdevallia albella, Masdevallia alexandri, Masdevallia alismifolia, Masdevallia alvaroi, Masdevallia amabilis, Masdevallia amaluzae, Masdevallia amanda, Masdevallia amoena, Masdevallia amplexa, Masdevallia ampullacea, Masdevallia anceps, Masdevallia andreettana, Masdevallia anemone, Masdevallia anfracta, Masdevallia angulata, Masdevallia angulifera, Masdevallia anisomorpha, Masdevallia antonii, Masdevallia aphanes, Masdevallia apparitio, Masdevallia arangoi, Masdevallia ariasii, Masdevallia arminii, Masdevallia assurgens, Masdevallia asterotricha, Masdevallia atahualpa, Masdevallia attenuata, Masdevallia audax, Masdevallia aurea, Masdevallia aurorae, Masdevallia ayabacana, Masdevallia bangii, Masdevallia barlaeana, Masdevallia belua, Masdevallia bennettii, Masdevallia berthae, Masdevallia bicolor, Masdevallia bicornis, Masdevallia biflora, Masdevallia boliviensis, Masdevallia bonplandii, Masdevallia bottae, Masdevallia bourdetteana,

Species in the Orchidaceae family

Aa fiebrigii, Aa hartwegii, Aa hieronymi, Aa leucantha, Aa lorentzii, Aa macra, Aa achalensis, Aa maderoi, Aa mandonii, Aa matthewsii, Aa microtidis, Aa paleacea, Aa argyrolepis, Aa riobambae, Aa rosei, Aa schickendanzii, Aa sphaeroglossa, Aa trilobulata, Aa weddelliana, Aa aurantiaca, Aa calceata, Aa colombiana, Aa denticulata, Aa erosa, Aa figueroi, Aa lozanoi, Aa lehmannii, Acampe carinata, Acampe cephalotes, Acampe ochracea, Acampe pachyglossa, Acampe praemorsa, Acampe joiceyana, Acampe hulae, Acanthophippium bicolor, Acanthophippium chrysoglossum, Acanthophippium curtisii, Acanthophippium eburneum, Acanthophippium gougahense, Acanthophippium javanicum, Acanthophippium lilacinum, Acanthophippium mantinianum, Acanthophippium parviflorum, Acanthophippium pictum, Acanthophippium splendidum, Acanthophippium striatum, Acanthophippium sylhetense, Acanthophippium curtisii, Achlydosa glandulosa, Acianthera aculeata,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-121358: Based on the initial data import
Carlyle A. Luer (1922-2019): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Luer' in the authors string.
Angel Andreetta (1920-2011): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Andreetta' in the authors string.