Name: Lepanthes mulleriana
Origin: Ecuador (cloud forests along the coast and in the mountains)
First described: 1998 by Carlyle A. Luer
Etymology:
The genus name Lepanthes means “scale flower”—a reference to the often tiny, delicate flowers of these miniature orchids. The species mulleriana was named in honor of Philip Müller, a dedicated plant enthusiast who contributed to the cultivation of this species.
Description:
Lepanthes mulleriana is a charming miniature orchid with an upright, slender growth habit and a single, slightly glossy leaf on each growth. The plant comes from the humid highlands of Ecuador, where it grows epiphytically in moss-rich forests.

Especially fascinating are the small, bright pink to magenta flowers, which appear on delicate inflorescences directly above the leaf. Each flower is only a few millimeters across, but its striking shape and intense color make it a real eye-catcher in miniature.

Care instructions:

This species prefers a consistently moist, humid, and shady microclimate—ideal for terrariums or display cases with stable conditions. Temperatures between 14 and 24 °C are optimal. The substrate should remain slightly moist but must never become waterlogged. A fine mix of sphagnum moss, bark, and a little perlite is ideal for cultivation. Regular, gentle misting and good air circulation promote healthy growth and flowering.

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 delicate roots using lukewarm water, then place the young plants on moist sphagnum moss or in a very fine, airy substrate. For the first few weeks, we recommend very high humidity, cool 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.