Name: Masdevallia ignea Rchb.f.
Synonyms: Masdevallia boddaertii Linden ex André; Masdevallia ignea var. marshalliana Rchb.f.; Masdevallia ignea var. massangeana B.S.Williams.
Etymology: ignea derives from the Latin word for “fiery” or “burning” and refers directly to the intensely vivid, usually scarlet to fiery red color of the flowers.

First description: 1871 by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in “The Gardeners' Chronicle”.
Origin / Distribution:
Colombia (easternmost area of the Eastern Cordillera).
Location / Habitat:
Terrestrial, lithophytic, or a low-growing epiphyte in cool, extremely humid cloud and highland forests (Páramo margins) at elevations of approx. 2,800 to 3,200 m. It often grows on moss-covered rocks or steep slopes in partial shade.
Description & Notes:
Masdevallia ignea is a compact, clump-forming species without pseudobulbs, producing sturdy, leathery, upright leaves. The solitary flowers are borne on slender stems that often extend above the foliage. The flowers are spectacularly colored: the upper sepal is narrow and curves downward over the flower opening, while the two lateral sepals are broad, conspicuously flat, and range from intense scarlet to bright orange hues.

In cultivation, this highland species requires cool to cold conditions with a noticeable nighttime temperature drop (ideally 10–13 °C at night and a maximum of 20–22 °C during the day). It does not tolerate summer heat buildup. A partially shaded location, consistently high humidity (above 70%), and excellent air circulation are essential. Since it has no storage organs, the fine, airy growing medium (e.g., fine pine bark or sphagnum moss) must never dry out completely, but must not become waterlogged either. Using low-salt, lime-free water (rainwater or reverse-osmosis water) is essential for the survival of its sensitive roots.