Name: Lepanthes celox Luer & Hirtz
Etymology: celox = speedboat / yacht (Latin) — presumably referring to the streamlined, aerodynamic, or boat-like shape of the lip or sepals.
First described: In 1987 by the American botanist Carlyle A. Luer and Alexander C. Hirtz in Lindleyana(2: 34).
Origin / Distribution: Ecuador (endemic).
Location / Habitat: Grows epiphytically in humid montane cloud and mist forests of the Andes at elevations of approximately 1,200 to 1,600 meters. It thrives in shady, permanently humid, moss-rich locations with an intermediate microclimate.
Description & Notes: Lepanthes celox is a delicate miniature orchid with upright, slender stems enveloped by the typical funnel-shaped lepanthiform sheaths. Its single, leathery leaf is ovate-elliptic and pointed. The slender, successively flowering inflorescence develops on the back of the leaf and produces delicate flowers one after another. The flowers are distinguished by their tapered sepals and characteristically shaped petals and lip structures, often patterned in reddish to purple hues.

In cultivation, this species requires intermediate conditions and does not tolerate extreme sustained summer heat or prolonged drought. As it has no pseudobulbs, the substrate must be kept evenly moist throughout the year. Thanks to its compact size and moisture requirements, it is ideally suited to terrariums and humid plant cabinets, preferably mounted on cork with a layer of sphagnum moss and provided with continuous, gentle air circulation.

In vitro culture: You will receive a flask containing 4 young plants. The plants are generally already large enough to be removed from the flask. After opening, carefully remove the nutrient medium from the fine roots using lukewarm water, then place the young plants on moist sphagnum or in a very fine, airy substrate. For the first few weeks, we recommend very high humidity, intermediate temperatures, sheltered light, and gentle air movement. Keep the young plants consistently slightly moist and never allow them to dry out completely.