Name: Lepanthes ophioglossa Luer
Synonym: Lepanthes drymocharis Luer & Hirtz
Etymology: ophioglossa = snake-tongued (snake tongue) — refers to the characteristically deeply cleft or forked tip of the two-lipped floral structure (synsepalum).

First description: In 1983 by the American botanist Carlyle A. Luer in Phytologia (54(5): 358).
Origin / Distribution: Ecuador and Colombia.
Location / Habitat:
Growing epiphytically in humid montane cloud forests of the Andes at elevations of approximately 1,500 to 2,300 meters. There it inhabits shady, permanently humid areas on moss-covered bark on tree trunks and branches in a cool-temperate to cool microclimate.
Description & Notes:
Lepanthes ophioglossa is a delicate miniature orchid with upright, slender stems (ramicauls), which are wrapped in 4 to 6 finely ciliate, lepanthiform sheaths. Each stem tip bears a single, upright, leathery, elliptic leaf. The delicate, loosely zigzagging (flexuose) inflorescence usually extends well beyond the small leaf and produces striking flowers in succession. The flower has a broad, slightly concave upper sepal (dorsal sepal), which ends in a thin, recurved tail, while the lateral sepals are fused into an elongated, forked structure—giving it its eponymous snake-tongue appearance.

In cultivation, this highland species requires consistently cool conditions with a noticeable nighttime drop in temperature; it does not tolerate stagnant summer heat well. Since it has no pseudobulbs, its roots must never be allowed to dry out completely. The species does very well in well-ventilated, cooler orchid vitrines and terrariums. It grows best mounted on cork with a permanently moist layer of fine sphagnum moss, at consistently high humidity above 80% and 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 deflasked. After opening, very carefully remove the nutrient medium from the fine roots with 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, cool to intermediate temperatures, sheltered light, and gentle air movement. Keep the young plants consistently slightly moist and never allow them to dry out completely.