This is a small intermediate to cool growing epiphyte from Central to South America. It has been reported to grow as as low as 800 meters, but are probably more likely found between 1600 to 2100 meters. It produces a long inflorescence with several nodding, long lasting flowers measuring about one centimeter tall. The buds started opening right after new year and it is still going strong. I grow it in the cool vivarium under medium light and high humidity with good air circulation.
This is an intermediate color variation of this species, there is also a yellow version without stripes as well as a much darker one that is almost black. I would not mind getting my hands on the dark one as well, it is lovely! The name comes from the Latin immersus. It refers to the peduncle (the stalk supporting an inflorescence) which is embedded in the folds of the leaf. The name on my tag says Pleurothallis immersa, but that is a homotypic synonym described in 1855. I still think it looks a lot more like a Pleurothallis, but the accepted name is Stelis.
Stelis immersa (Linden & Rchb.f.) Pridgeon & M.W.Chase, Lindleyana 16: 263 (2001).
