This is a miniature epiphytic species from the tropical Americas. Leochilus is a pretty unusual genus in cultivation here in Europe and there is not much information about it really. My plant does not look like much either, very unassuming with two small leaves measuring about 5 cm each. So I was rather surprised when I realized it was about to bloom, then it produced this 10 cm long inflorescence with a cluster of large flowers at the very top. The flowers are nicely shaped and measure about 1,5 cm tall. You can’t help but wondering about the pollination story here when looking at it… Just imagine the suitor coming in for landing on that beautiful enticing landing strip, oh I mean labellum. It looks like a beautiful but shy little moth who is covering her eyes with her “hands”. Very cute.
I grow it mounted on EpiWeb in the cool vivarium. Medium light, medium wet and high humidity and evidently this little lady is rather pleased with the arrangement.
