A small epiphyte endemic to the cloud forests of Ecuador, producing flowers of striking minimalist elegance. The long, narrow, pure white sepals spread in a graceful open form, centered by a small but intensely dark purple-black bilobed lip — a single bold mark of contrast that gives the species its name and its unmistakable character.
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Light: Bright indirect light with 50–70% shade cloth; avoid direct sun exposure.
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Temperature: 50–68°F (10–20°C); a Cool to Intermediate grower. Tolerates brief dips to 45°F (7°C) if kept dry.
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Humidity: 75–90%; maintain consistently high humidity with good air movement.
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Watering: Water thoroughly and allow the mount or medium to approach dryness between waterings; avoid prolonged root saturation.
Additional Notes
Best grown mounted on cork or tree fern; a small net pot with fine bark also works well. A slight nighttime temperature drop encourages blooming. Plants are shipped bare root and well-established.