Stenia calceolaris

Also known as: The Small Shoe Shaped Lip Stenia in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Peru Provincia de Loja - Ecuador

General Information

The Small Shoe Shaped Lip Stenia is a small sympodial cool growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 10cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2-4cm long

Flowers

A single blossom appears during Summer and Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss

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 3mm to 53mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Temperature ranges from 13C to 26C, highest in June (14C to 26C) and lowest in May (13C to 24C).

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.

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

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,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.