Name: Lepanthes filamentosa Luer & Hirtz
Etymology: filamentosa = thread-like — refers to the extremely slender, thread-like appendages of the sepals.
First description: 1993 by the American botanist Carlyle A. Luer and Alexander C. Hirtz in Die Orchidee (44: 102).
Origin / Distribution: Ecuador.
Location / Habitat: An epiphytic species growing in humid montane cloud and fog forests of the Andes at elevations of approximately 800 to 1,500 meters. It inhabits shady, constantly humid and moss-covered areas on branches and trunks in the warm to intermediate microclimate of the understory.
Description & Notes: Lepanthes filamentosa is a delicate miniature orchid with upright, slender shoots enveloped by the funnel-shaped lepanthiform sheaths typical of the genus. The single leathery leaf is ovate to elliptic. The delicate, successively flowering inflorescence usually develops flat against the back of the leaf. The tiny flowers stand out for their graceful, greatly elongated sepals, which taper to almost thread-like points and give the flower a very delicate, spider-like appearance.

Because it occurs naturally at lower, warmer elevations, this species requires warm to intermediate growing conditions, unlike many other members of the genus, and does not tolerate cool conditions. Its extremely compact size and need for consistently high humidity above 80% make it an ideal plant for growing in terrariums and humid display cases. Ideally, it should be mounted on cork with a thin, permanently slightly moist layer of sphagnum moss. Gentle, continuous air circulation is essential to prevent standing water on the leaves.

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