Name: Platystele portillae Luer

Etymology: The genus name Platystele is derived from Greek and refers to the broad column. The epithet portillae honors the Portilla family from Cuenca, Ecuador.

First description: The species was described in 2002 by Carlyle A. Luer.

Origin / Habitat: Ecuador, as a miniature epiphyte in moist mountain and cloud forests. It grows on thin, moss-covered branches and prefers cool, humid conditions.

Description & Care: Very small, densely growing orchid with individual, delicate inflorescences and sequentially blooming flowers. The flowers are approximately 5–6 mm in size. We cultivate it in shaded to bright indirect light, with high humidity and good air circulation. We keep the substrate evenly moist and allow it to dry out only slightly. We keep it cool, at approximately 10–18 °C.