Name: Lepanthes manabina Dodson
Etymology: manabina = refers to the Manabí province in Ecuador, the region where this species was found.

First described: 1980 by Calaway H. Dodson in Icones Plantarum Tropicarum (Plate 126).
Origin / Distribution: Western Ecuador (Manabí province).
Location / Habitat: Epiphytic, growing in moist montane and cloud forests of the Coastal Cordillera at elevations of around 500 to 800 meters. It thrives in shaded, permanently moist locations in warm to intermediate microclimates.
Description & Notes: Lepanthes manabina is a delicate miniature orchid with upright, thin shoots enveloped by the typical lepanthiform sheaths. The small, leathery leaves are broad-elliptical to almost round in shape. The fine inflorescence is shorter than or almost as long as the leaf and successively produces tiny, very delicate flowers. The flowers are distinguished by their characteristic lip structure and fine coloration, which usually ranges from yellowish to reddish tones.

In cultivation, compared to many pure highland congeners, this species requires rather warm-temperate to intermediate conditions and does not tolerate extreme cold snaps. Since it has no storage organs, the substrate – preferably mounted on cork with some moss or in very fine mesh pots – must be kept constantly evenly moist and must never completely dry out. High humidity of over 75% and steady, gentle air circulation are essential for 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 roots with lukewarm water and place the young plants on moist sphagnum or in a very fine, airy substrate. In the first few weeks, we recommend high humidity, warm-temperate conditions, and bright but protected light. Keep the substrate evenly moist and gradually increase the air movement.