Rhynchostele stellata

Also known as: The Star or Lemboglossum stellatum Odontoglossum stellatum Odontoglossum erosum Oncidium erosum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Guatemala

General Information

The Star is a miniature sympodial cold to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico and Guatemala.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 20cm. Each new growth has a single leaf that grows to 6.5-15cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-6cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Winter and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Winter

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 1mm to 166mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 5C to 24C, highest in April (12C to 24C) and lowest in January (5C to 19C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,