Name: Lepanthes volador Luer & Hirtz
Etymology: volador = “flying” – refers to the flowers that appear to hover above the leaf.
First described: Described in 1996 by Carlyle A. Luer & Alexander Hirtz.
Origin / Distribution: Ecuador.
Location / Habitat:
Epiphytic in the moist forests of Ecuador at elevations of approximately 700–800 m above sea level. The species grows in warm to intermediate climate zones with high humidity, consistent moisture, and good air movement.
Description & Notes:
Lepanthes volador is a small to very small, clump-forming species with slender ramicaules surrounded by several lepanthiform sheaths. Each shoot bears a single, elliptical leaf. The delicate inflorescences appear above the leaf and produce several tiny flowers sequentially.
The species prefers consistently high humidity, substrate that never completely dries out, and good air circulation. It is ideally grown mounted or in a very well-aerated, fine substrate. Temperatures should be kept warm to intermediate; prolonged dry periods should be avoided.