Overview
Masdevallia triangularis is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Masdevallia, part of the Orchidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Masdevallia triangularis 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 triangularis is a species of orchid found from Venezuela to Ecuador. It grows to approximately 10 cm tall, and bears flat, solitary flowers above the leaves. It is more warmth tolerant than many other species in subsection Caudatae, and can be cultivated successfully in intermediate conditions. It is native to Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, No especificado and Santander. In the garden it prefers full shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). Suggested uses include patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Grow in specialist orchid compost. Provide bright, indirect light.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Masdevallia triangularis
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 triangularis 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 triangularis
- 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 triangularis?
Masdevallia triangularis prefers full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Masdevallia triangularis need?
Masdevallia triangularis 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 triangularis hardy in the UK?
Masdevallia triangularis 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 triangularis?
Division when over-filling pot.
More in the Masdevallia genus
- Masdevallia
- Masdevallia caesia
- Masdevallia coccinea
- Masdevallia coccinea var. alba
- Masdevallia mezae 'Kathy'
- Masdevallia polysticta
- Masdevallia regina
- Masdevallia schroederiana
