About
Masdevallia veitchiana, Veitch's masdevallia, is a terrestrial kite orchid with erect, linear to oblong leaves. Arching stems to 40 cm bear a single, spectacular, long-lasting flower to 20 cm long and 5 cm wide in vivid orange with fine, purple hairs. One of the most showy and rewarding kite orchids for a cool, moist, shaded greenhouse.
About the genus
Masdevallia, the kite orchids, are compact epiphytic orchids from the cloud forests of Central and South America producing single-leaved tufts and distinctive, triangular flowers with elongated tails, often in vivid shades of pink, orange, red or yellow. Grown in cool, moist, shaded greenhouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toPeru
Care notes
CultivationGrow in epiphytic orchid compost with added grit or bark and from late spring to summer, in partial shade with good ventilation. Water freely adding orchid fertiliser every third watering and provide high humidity by misting twice daily; reduce watering in the autumn and winter. See indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division when the plant over-fills the pot
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free