A charming miniature species that produces solitary, precisely structured flowers on slender, upright spikes — the single-flowered habit implied by its name giving each bloom an understated elegance that rewards close inspection.
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Light: Low to moderate indirect light under 60–70% shade cloth; avoid direct sun, which can scorch the thin, soft foliage.
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Temperature: Intermediate grower. Daytime 62–72°F (17–22°C), nighttime lows of 52–58°F (11–14°C); tolerates mild fluctuations without issue.
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Humidity: Prefers 70–85% relative humidity; humidity trays, a humidifier, or terrarium culture all work well, with gentle air movement to prevent fungal issues.
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Watering: Keep the mount or substrate consistently moist; Stelis species have fine root systems that do not tolerate prolonged drying between waterings.
Additional Notes
Native to Ecuador, at mid-elevation cloud forests between 1,500–2,500 meters. Best grown mounted on cork bark or tree fern with a thin layer of sphagnum moss, though small pots with fine bark mix are also suitable.