Stelis lanceolata

Also known as: The Lanceolate Stelis or Stelis macrocarpa Stelis rhynchanthera Stelis sesquipedalis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia Peru

General Information

The Lanceolate Stelis is a cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia and Peru. The name refers to the leaves.

Plant Description

Grows to 2.5-60cm. Each new growth has a single leathery thick, erect, elliptic, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 1.9-19cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 24-44cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous short lasting blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

These orchids thrive in humid, cool, shady conditions with good airflow, they will be found under dense forest canopies where they will receive moderate sun exposure throughout the year.

When cultivated they will thrive in a cool, sheltered environment such as a shaded greenhouse, or if grown in cooler climates they can be grown in the garden in areas where they are protected from frost and receive shade throughout the year, though they may be able to tolerate some morning sun during winter.

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 274mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in November and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 4C to 17C, highest in August (6C to 17C) and lowest in January (4C to 14C).

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

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

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 to Tree trunks or Fern slabs. Repotting is best done annually.