These are plug sized
 
🔴 Masdevallia delhierro ‘Red’ Care Sheet (Vented Terrarium)
Overview:
Masdevallia delhierro ‘Red’ is a miniature to small orchid prized for its bright crimson flowers and compact growth. Native to the cool, misty forests of Ecuador, it thrives in high humidity, cool temperatures, and constant gentle airflow. With its eye-catching blooms and small size, it’s well-suited for a vented terrarium, especially one that mimics cloud forest conditions.
📏 Size & Growth Habit
Type: Miniature to small epiphytic or lithophytic orchid
Mature Size: 8–15 cm tall (including leaves)
Growth Habit: Fan-like clusters of narrow leaves from short rhizomes
Flowers: Solitary, bright red, long-lasting, borne on upright spikes; can bloom multiple times per year
💡 Light Requirements
Light Level: Low to medium
Best Placement: East- or north-facing window, or shaded spot under full-spectrum LEDs
Caution: Direct sunlight causes rapid leaf burn
🌡 Temperature & Humidity
Daytime Temps: 14–22°C
Nighttime Temps: 10–15°C
Humidity: 80–95%
Airflow: Crucial—Masdevallias are highly prone to rot in stagnant air
Use vented lids, small USB fans, or prop open terrarium during the day
💧 Watering & Moisture
Watering Frequency: 5–6 times per week or daily in dry or warm conditions
Water Type: Rainwater, distilled, or RO only
Moisture Preference: Roots and medium should remain evenly moist—not soggy
Misting: Light morning misting is beneficial, but do not leave water sitting on leaves overnight
🌱 Mounting & Medium
Preferred Setup:
Mesh pots or shallow trays with fine bark + sphagnum mix
Can also be mounted on cork with moss in high-humidity setups
Drainage Tip: Always elevate pots or mounts above terrarium water layer
Humidity Buffer: Live moss at the base helps regulate microclimate and prevent swings
🌬 Airflow
Non-negotiable:
Masdevallia delhierro is highly sensitive to stale or stagnant conditions
Even in high humidity, leaves must dry quickly after watering
Provide passive or active airflow daily (mini fan ideal for closed setups)
🌸 Flowering & Growth
Blooming Season: Can flower several times a year with stable conditions
Flowers: Deep red, 2–3 cm across, long sepals forming a triangular shape
Rest Period: None, though slightly slower growth in cooler months is normal
🌿 Fertilizer
Type: Weakly diluted, balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g. 20-20-20 or MSU)
Strength: 1/8 to 1/4 of recommended dose
Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks during active growth
Flush Monthly: With clean water to prevent salt accumulation, which causes root burn
⚠️ Common Issues
Problem
Cause
Solution
Leaf spotting or rot
Poor airflow or water left on leaves
Increase air movement, water in mornings
Bud drop or aborted spikes
Sudden humidity/temp change
Maintain stable conditions
No flowering
Too little light or too warm
Lower temp, increase light slightly
✅ Terrarium Tips
Perfect for cool-intermediate terrariums with air vents or mini fans
Avoid overwatering in stagnant conditions—balance moisture with ventilation
Best companions: mosses, small ferns, and cool-growing Pleurothallids
Responds beautifully to live moss substrate and gentle misting routines