Stelis guatemalensis

Also known as: The Guatemalan Stelis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento de Huehuetenango - Guatemala

General Information

The Guatemalan Stelis is an orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Guatemala.

Plant Description

Grows to 35cm. Each new growth has a single erect oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1-14cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5-15cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 112mm to 335mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 80% to 87%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 27C, highest in April (17C to 27C) and lowest in January (12C to 23C).

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

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually and in a pot the same size or only slightly larger than the previous one.