The Pleurothallis orchids are one of the largest genera in the orchid family. Most pleurothallids really like high humidity; 70% should be considered a minimum. It's easiest to provide this humidity in an orchidarium, and the plants are generally small enough that you can put quite a large collection in there. Though there is a great deal of diversity in this genus, most like cool temperatures that stay below 70°F (21C). If temperatures get too hot, they will quickly dry out, shrivel, and die; possibly in a matter of hours. The higher the light, the cooler the temperatures need to be, and vice versa.


Most species like low-to-intermediate lighting; 700-1500 footcandles is reasonable. Most pleurothallids hate to dry out. Water as they approach dryness if you are able to provide plenty of humidity; keep them moist more consistently if the humidity is low. Good potting mixes for these orchids include fine-grade fir bark or sphagnum moss, usually in small plastic pots. You can also grow them mounted on twigs or slabs of bark, preferably with sphagnum moss around the roots.