Name: Masdevallia veitchiana Rchb.f. 
Synonym: Masdevallia frogmore auct. 
Etymology: veitchiana = in honor of Harry James Veitch, head of the famous London nursery Veitch & Sons, which introduced the species in the 19th century. 
First description: 1868 by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in “The Gardeners' Chronicle”.
Origin / Distribution: Peru (central Andes, region around Cusco and Machu Picchu).
Location / Habitat: Usually growing terrestrially or lithophytically on steep, grassy and mossy slopes at elevations of 2000 to 4000 m. The species is constantly exposed to cool winds, fog and high UV radiation.
Description & Notes: Masdevallia veitchiana, often called the “Queen of Masdevallias,” is one of the most spectacular species in the genus. It has upright, leathery leaves and no pseudobulbs. The large, bright orange flowers are covered with microscopic purple hairs, creating a fascinating iridescent effect depending on the light.

In cultivation, the species is considered demanding, as it requires cool to cold temperatures (especially a drop at night). It prefers bright but indirect light and consistently high humidity combined with very good air circulation. The growing medium (usually fine bark or sphagnum moss) must remain moist at all times, as the plant has no storage organs and is sensitive to drying out.

In vitro culture: You will receive a flask containing 4 young plants. The plants are generally already large enough to be removed from the flask. After opening, carefully wash all the nutrient medium from the fine roots using lukewarm water, and plant the young plants in a very fine, airy, slightly moisture-retentive medium containing sphagnum. We recommend very high humidity, cool conditions and bright but sheltered light during the first few weeks. Keep evenly moist, avoid allowing the plants to dry out completely, and provide gentle, continuous air movement.