Stelis lentiginosa

Often seen in light green and pink, our form of Stelis lentiginosa produces striking red flowers! This cool-to-cold-growing miniature epiphyte is native to high elevations (2,700–2,900 meters) in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Plants stay compact but are densely packed with foliage, and produce 5-inch multifloral inflorescences carrying numerous crystalline red blooms. Spikes can flower for several months, and this species is capable of blooming off and on throughout the year.

While naturally a cool grower, we’ve found this species to be adaptable from cool to warm conditions. In winter, they thrive with nights in the high 50s–low 60s °F and days in the upper 60s–low 70s °F. Surprisingly, they also tolerate summer heat and humidity very well, making them more versatile than many other high-elevation orchids.

A charming miniature for those who love brightly colored, long-blooming orchids!