Pleurothallis quadrifida (syn. Stelis quadrifida)

Pleurothallis quadrifida ranges from Mexico through Central America to northern Venezuela and the Greater Antilles, where it grows in seasonally dry forest. Long, arching racemes carry many small yellow-green flowers well clear of the leaves. It is one of the more tolerant pleurothallids and a good place to start with the group.

What to expect

• Flowers: Many small yellow-green flowers on long arching racemes.
• Plant: Clustered upright stems with single leathery leaves. No pseudobulbs.
• Tolerance: Coming from a seasonally dry habitat, it copes with a wider range of conditions than cloud-forest species.

Growing notes

• Temperature: Intermediate. Tolerates both cool nights and warmer days.
• Light: Filtered light. No direct sun.
• Water: Water regularly; it accepts slightly drier intervals better than most pleurothallids.
• Humidity & air: Moderate to high humidity with good air movement.

About the name

Widely sold as Stelis quadrifida, and earlier as Pleurothallis racemiflora and Specklinia quadrifida. Kew currently accepts Pleurothallis quadrifida.

Shipping & condition

Supplied at flowering size – either a mature plant or a division from a plant that has already flowered – grown on in the Dandenong Ranges. Plants are packed on Sunday and sent on Monday. Buds and flowers cannot be guaranteed at time of shipping due to seasonal and environmental factors.