Name: Lepanthes caprimulgus Luer

Etymology: The genus name Lepanthes is derived from Greek; caprimulgus refers to the bird group known as nightjars, whose appearance the unusual flower resembles.

First description: 1976 by Carlyle A. Luer.

Origin/Distribution: The species is known from Ecuador and Peru.

Location/Habitat: We cultivate Lepanthes caprimulgus cool to intermediate at about 13–23 °C, with very high humidity, bright filtered light, and gentle, constant air movement. We keep the fine roots consistently slightly moist in sphagnum moss or a very fine, airy substrate.

Description and notes: This small-growing species develops long, overhanging inflorescences with a few flowers that are only a few millimeters in size. It is particularly well-suited for a display case or a temperate terrarium with consistently high humidity.