Pleurothallis orchids

Pleurothallis is the largest Pleurothallid-alliance genus in the traditional sense, historically containing over a thousand species distributed throughout the New World tropics. Recent taxonomic splits have moved many species into Stelis, Acianthera, Specklinia, and other related genera, so the scope of Pleurothallis in current usage is narrower than in older references. Catalogues vary in which name they use for the same plant.

Plants are almost all compact epiphytes, producing single leaves on short thin stems with flowers emerging at the base of the leaf. The flowers are typically small but often come in profusion, and many species flower over long periods with successive waves of blooms.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): cool to intermediate temperatures (nights 10 to 16 °C, day maximum 24 °C), low to medium indirect light (1,000 to 1,800 footcandles), high humidity (70 to 85 percent), regular watering, constant air movement. Fine bark or sphagnum in small pots.

Species (and former Pleurothallis now in related genera) include Pleurothallis truncata, Pleurothallis pterophora, Pleurothallis dilemma, and many others. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.