🌿 Stelis hirtzii – Terrarium Care Sheet
Family: Orchidaceae
Origin: Ecuador (cloud forests)
Growth Habit: Miniature, warm to intermediate-growing epiphyte
Flowering: Tiny reddish to purplish flowers; blooms successively on short spikes
✅ Ideal Terrarium Conditions
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 16–26°C ideal (can tolerate 28°C short-term with airflow) |
| Humidity | 80–95%; prefers consistent high humidity |
| Light | Low to medium (600–1000 foot-candles); avoid direct light |
| Airflow | Moderate, indirect—must avoid stale, still air |
| Terrarium Type | Best in high-humidity closed or semi-closed setup with gentle ventilation (e.g. propped lid or fan-timer system) |
🌱 Mounting & Media
Best setup: Mounted on cork or tree fern slab with sphagnum moss backing
Alternative: Fine-grade orchid bark mix in mesh or net pots (drains fast, but holds some humidity)
Absolutely no soggy conditions — roots are fine and delicate
💧 Watering
Water 3–5× per week, or daily if mounted and evaporation is high
Mist lightly in morning to mimic cloud forest dew
Use pure water: RO or rainwater; avoid tap with chlorine or salts
Do not allow moss to go bone-dry — roots desiccate fast
🌬 Air Movement
Critical to prevent fungal issues, especially on mounted plants
Recommend a small USB fan on a timer (e.g. 15–30 min/hour)
Good passive airflow also works (prop lid, mesh vent slots, etc.)
🌼 Flowering & Maintenance
Blooms mostly autumn to spring, but can occur year-round
Flowers are tiny but appear in charming clusters
Non-showy but fascinating to collectors
Clean off spent spikes and decayed leaves to avoid mold
🧪 Feeding
Use very dilute orchid feed (1/8 to 1/4 strength) monthly during active growth
Flush lightly with plain water every 3–4 weeks to remove buildup
Avoid foliar feeding unless your water is pure and fine-misted
⚠️ Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf tip browning | Low humidity or water quality | Increase humidity; switch to RO |
| Blackening or rot | Poor airflow or soggy base | Increase ventilation, reduce misting |
| Weak growth | Too much light or salt buildup | Lower light; flush more often |
✅ Terrarium Tips
Ideal companion to miniature cloud forest orchids like Pleurothallis, Masdevallia, Trisetella, and Lepanthes
Keep close to water reservoir (e.g., moss basin or fogger) to maintain microclimate
Place near the lower or middle section of the terrarium for optimal temp/light
🎯 Looking for a mini orchid that thrives in humid jungle-like settings?
Stelis hirtzii is your low-light, high-humidity superstar—small in stature but big on rare appeal!