🌿 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 a backing of moist sphagnum moss.
Alternative:
Fine-grade orchid bark mix in mesh or net pots — drains fast but retains humidity.
⚠️ Avoid soggy conditions — roots are fine and easily damaged by excess water.
💧 Watering
Water 3–5× per week, or daily if mounted and evaporation is high.
Mist lightly in the morning to mimic cloud forest dew.
Always use pure water (RO, rain, or distilled).
Do not let moss go bone-dry — roots desiccate quickly.
🌬 Air Movement
Critical for preventing fungal and bacterial issues.
A small USB fan on a timer (15–30 min/hour) works well.
Good passive airflow also works — e.g., propped lid or mesh vents.
🌼 Flowering & Maintenance
Blooms mainly autumn to spring, though may flower year-round.
Flowers are tiny but charming, often appearing in clusters.
More subtle than showy, but prized by collectors.
Trim away spent spikes and decayed leaves to prevent mold.
🧪 Feeding
Apply very dilute orchid fertilizer (⅛–¼ strength) monthly during growth.
Flush with pure water every few weeks to remove salt buildup.
Avoid foliar feeding unless water is extremely pure and misted finely.
⚠️ Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf tip browning | Low humidity / poor water quality | Increase humidity; switch to RO or rainwater |
| Blackening or rot | Poor airflow / soggy base | Improve ventilation; reduce watering frequency |
| Weak or pale growth | Too much light or nutrient salts | Lower light; flush substrate |
✅ Terrarium Tips
Excellent companion to miniature cloud forest orchids like Pleurothallis, Masdevallia, Trisetella, and Lepanthes.
Place near humid zones (moss basin, fogger, or water reservoir).
Keep in lower to mid sections of terrarium for optimal light and humidity balance.
🎯 Looking for a miniature orchid that thrives in humid, misty setups?
Stelis hirtzii is your low-light, high-humidity gem — subtle flowers, lush growth, and perfect for cloud forest displays!