Scarlet Masdevallia Plant Care
Masdevallia coccinea Linden ex Lindl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This orchid species is known for its striking bright red flowers with long, tubular petals that resemble a flame. Originating from the cloud forests of South America, Masdevallia coccinea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and rare beauty.
Bright indirect to filtered light
At a glance
How do you care for Scarlet Masdevallia?
Scarlet Masdevallia grows best in bright indirect to filtered light.
What Is the Scarlet Masdevallia?
Scarlet Masdevallia (Masdevallia coccinea) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Masdevallia genus. Scarlet Masdevallia is also known as Coccinea Masdevallia.
Scarlet Masdevallia displays a compact, epiphytic growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Scarlet Masdevallia produces colorful, small blooms in various shapes and patterns.
What Light Does the Scarlet Masdevallia Need?
Scarlet Masdevallia thrives in bright indirect to filtered light. Avoid placing Scarlet Masdevallia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to filtered light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scarlet Masdevallia?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Scarlet Masdevallia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Scarlet Masdevallia?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Scarlet Masdevallia?
Scarlet Masdevallia can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to masdevallia agaster plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Scarlet Masdevallia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scarlet Masdevallia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Scarlet Masdevallia?
Scarlet Masdevallia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Scarlet Masdevallia Need?
Scarlet Masdevallia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. In cooler regions, grow Scarlet Masdevallia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Scarlet Masdevallia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Masdevallia genus — compare its care with other Masdevallia species on PlantoScan.
Masdevallia is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Scarlet Masdevallia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Masdevallia Species
Other Masdevallia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Masdevallia coccinea Linden ex Lindl., family Orchidaceae (first published in Orchid. Linden. : 5 (1846)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scarlet Masdevallia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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