Overview
Masdevallia mezae 'Kathy' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Masdevallia, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Masdevallia mezae 'Kathy' 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 mezae 'Kathy' is a cultivar of the Masdevallia genus, a group of small orchids known as kite orchids for their distinctive triangular flowers with tails. This cultivar grows with a columnar upright habit and deciduous foliage. It thrives in full shade and prefers a sheltered aspect facing north, west, or east. Suitable for patio and container planting, it requires moist but well-drained soil, including loam or sand, with a pH that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. It is hardy to UK zone H2 and can be cultivated in orchid bark with bright indirect light, offering interest throughout all seasons.
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 mezae 'Kathy' 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 mezae 'Kathy'
- 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 mezae 'Kathy'?
Masdevallia mezae 'Kathy' prefers full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Masdevallia mezae 'Kathy' need?
Masdevallia mezae 'Kathy' 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 mezae 'Kathy' hardy in the UK?
Masdevallia mezae 'Kathy' 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 mezae 'Kathy'?
Division when over-filling pot.
More in the Masdevallia genus
- Masdevallia
- Masdevallia caesia
- Masdevallia coccinea
- Masdevallia coccinea var. alba
- Masdevallia polysticta
- Masdevallia regina
- Masdevallia schroederiana
- Masdevallia triangularis
