Name: Lepanthes guatemalensis Schltr.
Synonyms: Lepanthes tuerckheimii Schltr.
Etymology: guatemalensis = originating from Guatemala — refers to the country where the type specimen was discovered.

First described: 1912 by Rudolf Schlechter in Repertorium Specierum Novarum Regni Vegetabilis (10: 355).
Origin / Distribution: Mexico (Chiapas), Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.
Location / Habitat: Growing epiphytically in moist montane cloud forests at elevations of approx. 1,800 to 2,600 meters. It prefers deep shade as well as a constantly cool, very moist environment with continuous fog formation.
Description & Notes: Lepanthes guatemalensis is a delicate miniature orchid with upright shoots enveloped by the genus-typical, funnel-shaped and slightly hairy leaf sheaths (lepanthiform sheaths). Each shoot bears a single, ovate to elliptical, often delicately textured leaf. The extremely slender inflorescence usually lies flat on the upper or lower surface of the leaf and successively produces tiny, highly complex flowers. The petals are yellowish to reddish and exhibit the specialized lip structure characteristic of this genus.

In cultivation, this highland species strictly requires cool conditions year-round and reacts extremely sensitively to summer heat periods. Due to its growth form, it is ideally mounted on cork or tree fern. The cushion of moss at the roots must never completely dry out. Consistently high humidity of over 80% and a fine, steady air circulation are essential for the survival of this sensitive miniature orchid.