Slender Coral Orchid Plant Care
Microcoelia exilis Lindl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Microcoelia exilis, commonly known as the pinhead orchid, is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is a leafless epiphyte, a perennial herb that grows in a tangled cluster of roots and stems on the branch of a tree.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Slender Coral Orchid?
Slender Coral Orchid grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Slender Coral Orchid Native To?
What Is the Slender Coral Orchid?
Slender Coral Orchid (Microcoelia exilis) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Microcoelia genus. Slender Coral Orchid is native to tropical central and eastern Africa and was first described in 1830 by the English botanist John Lindley.
Slender Coral Orchid displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Slender Coral Orchid produces small, colorful orchid blooms in various hues.
What Light Does the Slender Coral Orchid Need?
Slender Coral Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Slender Coral Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Slender Coral Orchid?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Slender Coral Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Slender Coral Orchid?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Slender Coral Orchid?
Slender Coral Orchid can be propagated through division, keiki propagation.
Is the Slender Coral Orchid Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Slender Coral Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Slender Coral Orchid?
Slender Coral Orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Slender Coral Orchid is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Microcoelia genus — compare its care with other Microcoelia species on PlantoScan.
Microcoelia is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Slender Coral Orchid thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Microcoelia exilis Lindl., family Orchidaceae (first published in Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl. 61. 1830 [May 1830]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Slender Coral Orchid, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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