Name: Lepanthes hexapus Luer & R.Escobar
Synonyms:
Etymology: hexapus = six-footed — refers to the extraordinary structure of the two petals, each divided into three slender, thread-like segments, together resembling six small feet.

First described: 1984 by Carl A. Luer and Rodrigo Escobar in Orquideología (16: 144).
Origin / Distribution: Colombia to central Ecuador.
Location / Habitat: Epiphytic, growing in moist cloud forests at elevations of approx. 850 to 2,100 meters. It thrives in cool to temperate climates with extremely high humidity year-round and constant, gentle air movement in the shaded undergrowth.
Description & Notes: Lepanthes hexapus is a fascinating miniature orchid with slender, upright shoots surrounded at the base by 5 to 6 fine, fringed leaf sheaths (lepanthes-form sheaths). Each shoot bears a single, stiffly leathery, ovate leaf, which often features attractive purple veining. The dense inflorescence is shorter than the leaf and produces approx. 5 mm small, highly complex flowers one after another. The narrow sepals are largely free and finely serrated at the edges. The most striking feature is the three-parted, thread-like petals, which give the flower its characteristic, almost insect-like appearance.

In cultivation, this sensitive highland species requires constantly cool-temperate conditions and cannot tolerate prolonged summer heat. As it has no storage organs, the substrate (preferably living sphagnum moss in a mounted culture on cork or fine bark) must never dry out completely. Consistently high humidity of over 80% and fine, continuous air circulation are absolutely essential to prevent rot and ensure healthy growth.

In vitro culture: You will receive a bottle with 4 young plants. The plants are usually already large enough to be deflashed. After opening, carefully remove the nutrient medium completely from the fine roots with lukewarm water and place the young plants on moist sphagnum or in a very fine, airy substrate. During the first few weeks, we recommend very high humidity, cool to temperate conditions, and protected light. Keep the young plants constantly slightly moist, but avoid standing moisture through gentle air movement.