Mashua Plant Care
Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pav.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tropaeolum tuberosum is a species of flowering plant in the family Tropaeolaceae, grown in the Andes, particularly in Peru and Bolivia, and to a lesser extent in Ecuador as well as in some areas of Colombia, for its edible tubers, which are eaten cooked or roasted as a vegetable. It is a minor food source, especially for native Amerindian populations.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Mashua?
Mashua grows best in full sun to partial shade.
What Is the Mashua?
Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family within the Tropaeolum genus. Mashua is also known as Tuberous Nasturtium, Añu.
Mashua displays a trailing, climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Mashua produces brightly colored spurred flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
What Light Does the Mashua Need?
Mashua thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mashua?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Mashua to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Mashua?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Mashua?
Mashua can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nasturtium plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mashua Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mashua, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mashua?
Mashua is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Mashua is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tropaeolum genus — compare its care with other Tropaeolum species on PlantoScan.
Tropaeolum is part of the Tropaeolaceae plant family — browse all Tropaeolaceae genera and species.
Mashua thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tropaeolum Species
Other Tropaeolum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pav., family Tropaeolaceae (first published in Fl. Peruv. 3: 77 (1802)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mashua, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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