Stelis rufobrunnea

Native to: Jalisco - Mexico Michoacán - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico

General Information

Stelis rufobrunnea is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico.

Plant Description

Grows to 8cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic lance shaped, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 0.3-2cm long

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 150mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 4C to 29C, highest in May (14C to 29C) and lowest in January (4C to 23C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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.