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Conservatory Greenhouse

Masdevallia veitchiana

Veitch's masdevallia

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

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H2
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

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