Stelis purpurea

Also known as: The Purple Stelis or Stelis endocharis Stelis phaeantha Stelis pachyphylla Stelis huancabambae Pleurothallis longirepens Stelis dubia Stelis acutissima Stelis densiflora Pleurothallis longerepens Stelis lapoi Stelis alpina Stelis abrupta Stelis dentata Stelis robusta Stelis repanda Stelis yungasensis Stelis robustior Stelis pachystele Stelis rusbyi Stelis connata Stelis saxicola Stelis macrantha Stelis cupuligera Stelis asseris Stelis hemicardia Pleurothallis rhizomatosa in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Purple Stelis is a medium to large sized cold to hot growing epiphytic or terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

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 low to high elevations.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.