Masdevallia veitchiana
Veitch's masdevallia
M. veitchiana is a terrestrial orchid with erect, linear to oblong leaves. Arching stems up to 40cm carry a single, long-lasting flower up to 20cm long and 5cm wide; flowers are orange with fine purple hairs
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Orange Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Purple | Green | ||
| Winter | Orange Purple | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Masdevallia are a genus of orchids known as kite orchids due to their triangular-shaped flowers with a tail. A compact orchid, flower stems may only grow to around 12 inches in height, producing just one flower which can range in colour and pattern from pale to neon, spotted to striped.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Peru
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by division when the plant over-fills the pot
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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