Stelis orchids

Stelis is a large Pleurothallid-alliance genus of around one thousand species, distributed throughout the New World tropics from Mexico to Argentina with the highest diversity in the Andes. The genus has been expanded significantly by recent taxonomic revisions that moved many species out of Pleurothallis into Stelis on molecular evidence. Plants are almost all compact to miniature epiphytes, with single leaves on short stems and flower spikes of many small three-sepaled flowers that sit almost flat against each other.

The signature feature of Stelis flowers is the reduction of the lip and petals to tiny structures dominated by three large sepals. Under magnification the flowers reveal surprising detail, with iridescent colours and intricate surface textures.

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), 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 include Stelis argentata, Stelis pilosa, Stelis quadrifida, and many miniatures with recently established names from the post-revision genus expansion. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.