Name: Pleurothallis luctuosa Rchb.f.

Synonyms: Acronia luctuosa; Humboltia luctuosa

Etymology: The epithet luctuosa comes from Latin and means “sad” or “lamentable.” Reichenbach chose the name in connection with the news of the death of botanist and orchid collector Augustus R. Endrés.

First description: The species was described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1876.

Origin / Habitat: Costa Rica and Nicaragua; the species is known as an epiphyte from humid tropical forests. In Costa Rica, it is reported from the Tilarán Cordillera.

Description & Notes: A small epiphytic orchid with single leaves on slender stems and numerous small, purple flowers on delicate inflorescences. We grow it in bright to shady conditions, with good air movement and consistent moisture; the substrate may dry slightly between waterings. We keep it warm to intermediate, at around 16–30 °C.