Masdevallia bicolor Poepp. & Endl.

Two-Coloured Masdevallia, Bicolor Kite Orchid

Expert careEpiphyteNon-toxic8–15 cm

Masdevallia bicolor is a mini-miniature to miniature epiphytic orchid from the wet montane cloud forests of the northern and western Andes, growing low on tree trunks at elevations of 400–2,100 m across Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It belongs to the subtribe Pleurothallidinae (family Orchidaceae) and forms dense clumps of upright, single-leaved stems — the oblanceolate leaves reaching roughly 8–12 cm. In spring and summer, erect lateral inflorescences up to 10 cm long carry 2–4 flowers, each roughly 2 cm wide, with a striking two-tone pattern: the dorsal sepal is yellow to orange and the fused lateral sepals (synsepal) are deep purple, both drawn into long, thread-like tails characteristic of the genus. It does best grown in a sphagnum or fine bark mix inside a cool, humid closed or semi-open terrarium; temperatures above 25 °C will cause rapid decline.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Two-Coloured Masdevallia image

Photo by Josh Allen·CC BY-NC 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 10–25 °C, and reaches 15 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Bright indirect

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
10°C – 25°C

Soil

Sphagnum mix(preferred)Orchid mix

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Divide established clumps in autumn or spring when repotting, every two years or so. Separate the caespitose growth into sections with a sterile blade, ensuring each division has at least two stems and a healthy root system. Pot into fresh sphagnum or bark-perlite mix, maintain humidity above 75%, and keep temperatures cool (10–18 °C) during re-establishment — warmth or dryness will quickly cause failure. New growth from the base signals a successful take, typically within 6–10 weeks.

Native range

Native to Northern South America and Western South America.

Appearance

Growth habit

ClumpingUpright

Leaf shape

Lance

Leaf texture

SmoothLeathery

Frequently asked

Can Two-Coloured Masdevallia grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Two-Coloured Masdevallia prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Two-Coloured Masdevallia need drainage?

Two-Coloured Masdevallia prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Two-Coloured Masdevallia need?

Two-Coloured Masdevallia does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Two-Coloured Masdevallia pet-safe?

Two-Coloured Masdevallia is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Two-Coloured Masdevallia grow?

Two-Coloured Masdevallia typically reaches 8–15 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Two-Coloured Masdevallia?

Two-Coloured Masdevallia can be propagated by division or seeds.

References

  1. 1

    NC State Extension — Masdevallia (Kite Orchid, Tailed Orchid): non-toxic to cats, dogs, horses; partial shade; sphagnum/orchid compost substrate; high humidity; cool temperatures; division propagation

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/masdevallia/
  2. 2

    POWO (Kew) — Masdevallia bicolor Poepp. & Endl.: accepted name, first published Nov. Gen. Sp. Pl. 2: 6 (1836), native distribution Bolivia/Colombia/Ecuador/Peru/Venezuela, family Orchidaceae, 9 synonyms including Alaticaulia bicolor and Masdevallia auropurpurea

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:642685-1
  3. 3

    IOSPE (orchidspecies.com) — Masdevallia bicolor: mini-miniature to miniature caespitose epiphyte; oblanceolate leaf with channeled petiole and bilobed apex; inflorescence 10 cm, 2–4 flowers; flower 2 cm wide, dorsal sepal yellow/orange, synsepal dark purple, long-caudate sepals; elevation 400–2100 m; wet montane forest, low on tree trunks; Venezuela/Colombia/Ecuador/Peru/Bolivia; spring–summer bloom

    https://www.orchidspecies.com/masbicolor.htm
  4. 4

    Travaldo's blog — Masdevallia bicolor care: light 17,000–22,000 lux (70–90% summer shade, 25% winter shade); temperature winter min 10°C max 13°C, summer optimum 13–20°C, absolute max 25°C; humidity 75–80% summer; substrate 5 parts bark + 5 parts perlite + 1 part fibrous peat, or chopped sphagnum with polystyrene chips; moist but not waterlogged; balanced fertiliser at 1/4 strength every 3–4 waterings; division in autumn or spring

    https://travaldo.blogspot.com/2022/02/masdevallia-bicolor-two-colored-masdevallia-care.html
  5. 5

    American Orchid Society — Masdevallia Culture Sheet: light 1,000–2,000 fc (10,750–21,500 lux); temperature ideal 12.7–22.2°C; humidity 60–90%; substrate tree fern/sphagnum/fine bark in plastic pots or cork-mounted with sphagnum; perpetually moist; 1/4–1/2 strength balanced fertiliser during active growth

    https://www.aos.org/orchid-care/care-sheets/masdevallia-culture-sheet
  6. 6

    Masdevallia orchid care and culture — Travaldo's blog: genus-wide care; cool growers 10°C night / 20°C day max; intermediate 13°C night / 23°C day max; warm 16°C night / 26°C day max; humidity 50–65% baseline, 75–80% summer preferred; light 17,000–22,000 lux; bark-perlite-peat substrate; division propagation

    https://travaldo.blogspot.com/2019/04/masdevallia-orchid-care-and-culture.html
  7. 7

    ASPCA — Phalaenopsis Orchid (Orchidaceae representative entry: non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; orchids family-wide considered non-toxic)

    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/phalaenopsis-orchid
  8. 8

    bantam.earth — Masdevallia spp. care guide: substrate pH 5.5–6.5; epiphytic medium (fir bark or LECA); high humidity; bright indirect light; excellent terrarium suitability

    https://bantam.earth/masdevallia-orchids-masdevallia-spp/