Lepanthes elegantula

Genus Pronounced: le-PAN-theez. Lepanthes from Greek lepis or scale and anthos or flower; combined lepanthos or scale-like flower. Species pronounced: ella-GAN-tue-la. from Latin elegantulus or elegant. Combined: The Elegant Lepanthes.

The genus Lepanthes grow as epiphytes in wet cloud forests of tropical America from sea level to above 3000 meters (9,850 ft.) in elevation. Lepanthes plants lack pseudobulbs, and generally can be recognized by a series of tubular ribbed sheaths (lepanthiform sheaths) that surround the ramicauls (stem supporting the leaf). Comprised of some 800 species, Lepanthes tend to be miniature plants with colorful flowers; some of which require magnification to fully appreciate. Most Lepanthes bear deep-green leaves, while others have reddish leaves, and others have a mottled appearance.

Lepanthes are cool to intermediate growing; dependent upon the elevation of origin. They grow best on vertical or horizontal mounts under conditions of high-humidity and low-light. Lepanthes grow well under lights if humidity can be maintained, and the prefer ample watering.

The flower shown is Lepanthes elegantula. This plant represents one of the large flowered species, sporting a bloom of over one inch vertical and one-half inch horizontal. The plant pictured was grown and photographed by Bryon Rinke.

References:

Pridgeon, Alec. (1999). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids. Timberline Press, Portland OR.

Dodson, C. (2002). Native Ecuadorian Orchids, Volume II: Dresslerella – Lepanthes. Dodson Trust, Sarasota FL.