Habitat and Ecology
 
​Lepanthes plumifera is a miniature epiphytic orchid native to Ecuador, where it is found in the Andean cloud forests. It grows high on the trunks and branches of trees in its native habitat, typically at medium to high altitudes, around 1,000 metres. This orchid thrives in ecosystems characterised by low temperatures, constant air movement, and extremely high atmospheric humidity from persistent mist and clouds. It anchors itself to mossy bark and relies on this constant moisture to survive.
 
​Description
 
​This orchid is a mini-miniature perennial that forms small, tufted clumps. It is recognised by its characteristic lepanthiform sheaths, which are thin, ribbed structures that tightly enclose the slender stem (ramicaul). Each ramicaul is topped by a single, small, ovate to narrowly ovate, leathery leaf. The true appeal lies in its highly intricate flowers, which emerge in a succession of blooms on a slender, hair-like raceme that is held away from the leaf. The blooms are extremely small and complex, with sepals that are typically translucent yellow suffused with orange and often marked with dark red blotches toward the centre. The petals are minute and bilobed (two-lobed), while the lip is complex and highly specialised. The species name plumifera means "feather-bearing," likely referring to the fine, dense velvet or hispid (bristled) hairs that cover the petals and lip, giving the flower a feathery appearance.
​Cultivation
​Lepanthes plumifera is a cool-growing miniature that requires highly specialised and stable conditions, making it best suited for a terrarium, vivarium, or cool orchidarium in the UK. It requires low to medium indirect light; no direct sun at all. It must be mounted on cork, bark, or tree fern fibre with a pad of sphagnum moss to retain moisture and provide the necessary air circulation around the fine roots. It must be kept moist to wet at all times; its delicate, thin leaves are intolerant of drying out. Extremely high humidity (80%+) and excellent air circulation are mandatory.
 
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-22 C (64-72 F)
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A cooling period is essential, ideally 12-17 C (54-61 F).
​Water frequently with tepid, soft water (rainwater is best), often daily when mounted, and feed monthly with a highly dilute orchid fertiliser.
 
​Unique Features
 
​This is an exquisite connoisseur's orchid prized for its miniature size (perfect for enclosed displays) and its microscopic, feathered flowers. The intricate, velvety-hispid petals and lip are a wonder under magnification, showcasing a level of detail unmatched by larger blooms. As a species restricted to the Andean cloud forests, successfully growing and blooming this tiny jewel is a significant achievement for the dedicated collector of the Pleurothallidinae subtribe.
 
​Specifications
​Plant Size: Flowering sized, 3+ ramicauls with leaves
​Plant Family: Orchidaceae
​Plant Passport: A Lepanthes plumifera B 140084 C [user input] D GB