Name: Lepanthes expansa Luer
Etymology: expansa = spread out / expanded — refers to the widely extended or flattened structure of the flower parts.

First described: In 1984 by the American botanist Carlyle A. Luer in Phytologia (55: 251).
Origin / Distribution: Colombia and Ecuador.
Location / Habitat: Grows epiphytically in cool, moist montane cloud and fog forests of the Andes at elevations of approximately 1,800 to 2,900 meters. It inhabits shady, permanently moist, moss-rich areas on branches and tree trunks in a cool microclimate.
Description & Notes: Lepanthes expansa is a delicate miniature orchid with upright, slender stems covered by the genus's characteristic, closely fitting lepanthiform sheaths. Each stem tip bears a single, upright, leathery leaf that is ovate to elliptical in shape. The slender, successively blooming inflorescence usually develops on the back of the leaf and produces delicate flowers one after another. The flowers are distinguished by their characteristic, widely spreading sepals and intricately shaped, bilobed petals, which are usually patterned in yellowish, reddish, or purplish hues.

In cultivation, this high-elevation species requires consistently cool to, at most, intermediate conditions and is extremely sensitive to prolonged summer heat above 24 °C without sufficient nighttime cooling. As it has no storage organs, the substrate must never be allowed to dry out completely. It grows best mounted on cork with a moist layer of sphagnum moss, or in tiny, excellently drained pots with a fine bark mix. Consistently high humidity of over 75–80% and continuous, gentle air movement to prevent fungal infections are essential.

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. We recommend very high humidity, cool to intermediate temperatures, protected light, and gentle air movement during the first few weeks. Keep the young plants consistently slightly moist and never allow them to dry out completely.