[1] Epidendrum stenophyton is notable for inhabiting the high altitude tropical cloud forest (3–4 km high) near the tree line, sometimes on trees and sometimes terrestrially.

The round stem, no more than 4 mm in diameter, grows from a half to a meter tall.

The stem is covered by foliaceous sheathes of the distichous leaves.

The erect racemose inflorescence arises from the apex of the stem, without any spathe at the base.

The rigid sepals and petals do not open widely, but surround the cordate lip which is adnate to the column to its apex and has an entire margin.