Collection: Pleurothallid Orchids

Pleurothallids are the largest group of orchids in the Americas – several thousand species, most of them small epiphytes from wet mountain forest. This collection gathers the genera outside our Masdevallia and Dracula ranges: Restrepia, Dryadella, Platystele, Pleurothallis and Zootrophion. Many are miniatures, and nearly all share the same needs: steady moisture, high humidity and moving air.

Everything listed here is grown in the Dandenong Ranges and supplied at flowering size, as a mature plant or a division from a plant that has flowered. Species are labelled under the names currently accepted by Kew, with older or trade names given in each listing so you can match them to labels and books.

What to expect

Flower size runs from the striking spotted synsepals of Restrepia down to Platystele, whose flowers are best appreciated with a hand lens. None of these plants have pseudobulbs, so none can store much water – they suit growers who can keep conditions consistent. Most fit comfortably in small pots, on mounts or in a terrarium.

Care notes

Keep the medium evenly moist, humidity high and air moving; avoid sustained heat. Most are cool to intermediate growers, while Zootrophion and Pleurothallis quadrifida take warmer conditions. Start with the Pleurothallid Orchid Care Guide, then see How to Grow Restrepia Orchids, Miniature Orchids for Terrariums and Grow Tents and Mounting vs Potting Miniature Pleurothallids.

Looking for larger pleurothallids? Browse our Masdevallia and Dracula collections.