Lepanthes telipogoniflora Culture
Despite being a miniature plant, it produces relatively large, translucent, circular flowers that resemble tiny orange satellites or jellyfish, creating a striking contrast against its delicate, rounded foliage.
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Light: They require low to medium "jewel orchid" lighting. This species thrives in deep shade or dappled light, mimicking the forest floor.
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Temperature: This species prefers intermediate to warm temperatures. It is sensitive to extreme heat; ideally, daytime temperatures should stay below 27°C, with a refreshing drop at night.
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Humidity: High humidity is non-negotiable for this orchid, ideally between 80-90%. Because it lacks pseudobulbs to store water, it relies on a saturated atmosphere to survive. It is a perfect candidate for terrariums or glass Wardian cases where moisture levels remain stable.
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Watering: Lepanthes telipogoniflora must never dry out. The substrate should be kept consistently moist but not stagnant. Use high-quality water (distilled, RO, or rainwater) as they are extremely sensitive to mineral salts and chlorine found in tap water.
Additional Notes:
The most critical factor for Lepanthes telipogoniflora is the balance between high humidity and gentle air circulation. Without air movement, the high moisture can lead to crown rot. This species is "ever-blooming," meaning it can produce flowers successively from the same leaf axil for many months, so avoid cutting old flower spikes unless they have completely dried up.
