Stenoglottis

Stenoglottis is a genus that includes at least 5 species, all found in Africa, from South Africa to Tanzania. The Genus Stenoglottis is closely related with the Genus Habenaria.

The Stenoglottis species are terrestrials, growing mostly on the forest floor but can grow on rocks or tree trunks when there enough room and soil present.

All species are perennials and deciduous plants that flower from late spring to early autumn.

The cylindrical, tuber-like roots grow underground. Late winter, a short stem(s) will appear, followed by often-spotted leaves which that form a basal rosette.

A tall inflorescence will rise from the middle of the rosette and the tiny up to 20mm blooms, white or pinkish in color sometimes with purple spots will open successively.

Stenoglottis are very popular orchids not only because of the flowers, but also because of the colorful foliage and the fact that are not demanding and therefore easy to grow.

S. fimbriata and S. longifolia are by far the most popular. S. woodii (white); S. zambesiaca; and S. macloughlinii (pinkish) are the other three known, although some claim the last one is syn. S. woodii (a pink form of woodii).

There are numerous hybrids, like: S. Neptune; S. Venus, etc.

The leaves of some hybrids, like S. Venus, are heavily brown spotted and the leaves of some seedlings have more brown color than green.

Finally, I have a S. Neptune, a hybrid that never stops growing. As soon as the old growth dies out, the new shoot appears in days; however, it does not flower twice a year.

You treat these species the same way you treat all your terrestrials. Regular watering during the growing season, less watering in late autumn and winter. The new shoots should emerge towards the end of winter.

Use a reasonable size pot and a good potting mix (I use a good quality potting mix for seedlings (sandy loam, mulch, extra sand, etc).

Pests to watch for are aphids. It is also wise to prevent the first leaves touching the “ground”. See Habenaria.