Stereochilus brevirachis

Stereochilus brevirachis is a miniature orchid species native to the subtropical montane forests of southern China (notably Yunnan province) and northern Vietnam. First described by orchidologist Eric Christenson in 1998, it belongs to the genus Stereochilus, which is part of the Vandeae tribe within the Orchidaceae family.

Features:

• Growth Habit: This species is an epiphytic subshrub, typically growing to about 1 meter tall.

• Leaves: It has 4 to 6 arcuate, linear leaves that are dorsally carinate (ridged) and obliquely minutely bilobed at the apex.

• Inflorescence: The plant produces a laxly pendulous, somewhat zigzag inflorescence that is dark green and mottled purple, measuring up to 4.5 cm in length.

• Flowers: The flowers are small, approximately 1 cm across, and typically white with a twisted or contorted pink lip .

Care Tips:

• Light: Requires bright, indirect light, approximately 2,500–3,500 foot-candles.

• Temperature: Thrives in intermediate to warm temperatures, with a minimum of 58°F (14°C) and a maximum of 88°F (31°C).

• Watering: Needs moist conditions; water 3–5 times per week, allowing it to dry lightly between waterings.

• Mounting: Best grown mounted on wood or cork bark, as it is a typical epiphyte.

• Fragrance: Emits a subtle, pleasant fragrance.