Name: Masdevallia Snow Cone

Parents: Masdevallia rex × Masdevallia glandulosa.

Registration: Registered in 2005 in the Royal Horticultural Society's International Orchid Register. The official registration list for January to March 2005 identifies I. Komoda as the registrant.

Etymology: Masdevallia honors the Spanish physician and botanist José Masdevall. Snow cone refers to a dessert made of crushed ice and syrup, which is the name of this hybrid.

Location/Cultivation requirements: A bright to semi-shaded location with diffused light, high humidity, and good air circulation is suitable. We recommend intermediate temperatures around 16–20 °C and a slight nighttime drop. Due to Masdevallia rex, this hybrid has one parent that grows in warmer conditions; it should therefore not be treated like an exclusively cold-growing high-altitude species. Avoid prolonged heat waves and keep the substrate evenly moist.

Description and notes: This primary hybrid combines two botanical species. Its compact growth and striking, fleshy flowers with elongated sepal tips make it an interesting choice for smaller collections. The flowers can feature a combination of light and pinkish-violet shades; color and shape may vary among seedlings. Like other Masdevallias, it lacks significant water storage organs such as pseudobulbs. We recommend fine bark with a loose addition of sphagnum moss, good drainage, and regular watering with low-salt water. Avoid a prolonged dry dormant period and fertilize only weakly during growth.