Name: Lepanthes ribes Luer

Etymology: The genus name Lepanthes derives from the Greek words lepis (“scale”) and anthos (“flower”), referring to the delicate, scale-like floral structures. The specific epithet ribes refers to the currant genus Ribes and alludes to the appearance of the inflorescences.

First description: In 1976 by Carlyle A. Luer in Selbyana, volume 3, pages 14–15.

Origin/Distribution: Western Colombia to Ecuador.

Growing site/Habitat: Epiphytic, occasionally terrestrial, in humid tropical mountain and cloud forests. The species prefers shady, moss-rich locations with high humidity. We recommend cool to intermediate growing conditions at around 12–22 °C, very high humidity, and gentle, continuous air movement.

Description and notes: Lepanthes ribes is a delicate miniature orchid with upright, slender ramicauls, lepanthiform sheaths, and a single leathery, elliptic leaf. The elongated, upright to pendent inflorescences bear several small flowers in succession, whose yellowish to reddish parts may have fine markings. The fine roots must never dry out completely. Mounting it on tree fern or cork, or growing it in fine, loose sphagnum, is well suited when humidity is kept reliably high. We recommend soft, low-lime water and good air movement without drying drafts.