Overview
Masdevallia is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Masdevallia, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Masdevallia grows best in full shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Masdevallia is a genus of orchids known as kite orchids, recognised for their distinctive triangular flowers with a tail. These relatively small orchids have an upright columnar habit and deciduous foliage. They thrive in full shade with a sheltered aspect, preferring moist but well-drained soil that can be loam or sand with a range of pH levels. Suitable for patio and container planting, they require orchid bark and bright indirect light for cultivation. Masdevallia is hardy to UK zone H2 and flowers across all seasons, from spring to winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Masdevallia
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Masdevallia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Masdevallia
- Propagation
- Division when over-filling pot
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Masdevallia?
Masdevallia prefers full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Masdevallia need?
Masdevallia grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Masdevallia hardy in the UK?
Masdevallia has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Masdevallia?
Division when over-filling pot.
More in the Masdevallia genus
- Masdevallia caesia
- Masdevallia coccinea
- Masdevallia coccinea var. alba
- Masdevallia mezae 'Kathy'
- Masdevallia polysticta
- Masdevallia regina
- Masdevallia schroederiana
- Masdevallia triangularis
