As regulars will know we are keen to represent the wonderful diversity of the genus stelis. This is inspired by our first experience of thge genus in the wild in Brazilian cloud forest in our first school expedition in 2000. We know have more than 20 Stelis species – if you want to know which 900 species we have why not order a copy of the new book ‘World Orchid Collections’ which feature the Orchid Project along with 40 other great orchid collection across the globe.

In keeping with its name, Stelis superbiens is the largest flowered of our many Stelis species and the soft pinky-brown flowers give a subtle but beautiful display.The species is found from Mexico right through Central and South America to Peru. It grows a little lower than many of our very cool growing stelis from 1000-2000m altitude in damp forest. Despite being a little warmer growing than the rest we treat this species the same as our other Stelis – growing it in a small basket and keeping in well watered and shady throughout the year.

We have a few divisions of this species and will make it available on the shop this month.