Five-nerved Stelis Plant Care
Stelis quinquenervia C.Schweinf.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique five-veined leaves that resemble tiny green canoes, this plant native to the cloud forests of South America is a favorite among plant collectors. Its delicate and intricate foliage makes it a stunning addition to any collection, standing out as a truly special and rare find.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Five-nerved Stelis?
Water Five-nerved Stelis every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Five-nerved Stelis Native To?
What Is the Five-nerved Stelis?
Five-nerved Stelis (Stelis quinquenervia) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Stelis genus. Five-nerved Stelis is native to western South America.
Five-nerved Stelis displays an epiphytic, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Five-nerved Stelis produces small, colorful blooms in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Five-nerved Stelis?
Stelis quinquenervia requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Five-nerved Stelis Need?
Five-nerved Stelis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Five-nerved Stelis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Five-nerved Stelis Prefer?
Stelis quinquenervia grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Five-nerved Stelis prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Five-nerved Stelis?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and sphagnum moss. Good drainage is essential for Five-nerved Stelis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Five-nerved Stelis?
Feed Five-nerved Stelis every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Five-nerved Stelis?
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 Five-nerved Stelis?
Five-nerved Stelis can be propagated through division, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to stelis aligera plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Five-nerved Stelis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Five-nerved Stelis, 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 Five-nerved Stelis?
Five-nerved Stelis 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Five-nerved Stelis Need?
Five-nerved Stelis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Five-nerved Stelis is native to western South America. In cooler regions, grow Five-nerved Stelis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Five-nerved Stelis 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 Stelis genus — compare its care with other Stelis species on PlantoScan.
Stelis is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Five-nerved Stelis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Stelis Species
Other Stelis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Stelis quinquenervia C.Schweinf., family Orchidaceae (first published in Revista Acad. Colomb. Ci. Exact. 5: 349 (1943)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Five-nerved Stelis, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Five-nerved Stelis Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species