Easiest/Prettiest Micro Orchid Species?

[Just Rosie]

Hello all!
I am very new to houseplants and orchids in general, but I have quickly fallen in love with orchids! While I adore Phalaenopsis, I have discovered the wonderful world of micro/miniature orchids (on Amazon lol).
I am VERY interested in collecting some of these tiny babies, but I am in need of a little help as I don't know what genera/species are out there to even begin searching.
I have a Haraella Retrocalla, and I'm planning on purchasing a Tolumnia. Do you have any favorite *tiny* orchids? Maybe because they bloom year-round, or they're super easy to care for, or their flowers are gorgeous (and maybe even have scent!)?
Some recommendations would be great, and to me, the tinier, the better! Thanks!

[Ray]

Although stated with good intentions, your title question is unanswerable.

"Prettiest" is in the eye of the beholder. What you like, I might not, and vice versa.

"Easiest" depends upon your growing conditions, as orchids are culturally "niche" plants, so again, what might be easy under my growing conditions might not be for you. Even your haraella (now reclassified as Gastrochilus retrocallus, by the way) and tolumnia have differing needs.

The former likes relatively even moisture, with bright, indirect light and daytime temperatures no warmer than the upper 70's, with nights about 10°-15° cooler, while the tolumnia will thrive in the 80's and 90's with dappled sun, preferring frequent watering followed by rapid drying.

Tell us where you live and what growing conditions you have, and it'll be a lot easier to make suggestions.

[Just Rosie]

I apologize, I should clarify.

Agreed, beauty is subjective! Though in this case I wouldn’t mind some opinions on “beautiful” as I am still discovering the many species and their crazy/interesting flowers.

I guess I should say instead of “easiest”, “most forgiving”. Regardless of light, humidity, and watering requirements, I am looking for orchids that are tolerant if their conditions are not perfectly met each day. But to give you an idea, I live in northern GA where it’s hot in the summer, cool in the winter, and humid as all get out throughout the year. My lighting situation is that most of my plants are under grow lights, as I have north facing windows in which giant oak tree branches block most of the light. I would prefer to keep my babies in the house with me, so temp hovers around 72F with little variation (I know a lot of species like cooler nights so I uncover my vent and turn my fan on at night lol). And humidity is much lower indoors, but I have no qualms misting a few times a day.
Thanks for your reply and I hope that can help you help me!

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[Bulbopedilum]

Dendrobium pachyphyllum: Interesting little plant. Fragrant. Should tolerate hot to cool temperatures. Likes humidity. Will bloom often if watered often, but blooms only last for one day.

You should also try miniature Bulbophyllums.

[wisdomseeker]

Dendrobium prenticei is fairly bulletproof (for me anyways). Seems to always be in flower 'on & off' throughout the year.

Originally Posted by Ray

Even your haraella (now reclassified as Gastrochilus retrocallus, by the way)

Good to know. I have trouble keeping up with the name changes.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by wisdomseeker

Good to know. I have trouble keeping up with the name changes.

You ain't alone!!!

---------- Post added at 10:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:40 AM ----------

Rosie - where in N GA? Just curious; I'm a Tech grad and did a LOT of hiking and camping up north back then.

Misting a few times a day isn't going to help the humidity, as it simply dissipates into the air almost immediately. If you can maintain an RH of 40% or more, I wouldn't worry about it too much. If your household humidity is lower than that, you really should consider a humidifier, as something around 50% is OK for the plants, good for you, and the structure of the building.

You might look into Phal. parishii.

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[SG in CR]

Micro orchids make me think of Pleurothalids, of which the easiest to keep that I have is Specklinia grobyi. Not super showy with lots of tiny yellow flowers, but it seems to bloom on and off most of the year.
Another tiny orchid with relatively large flowers for its size is Psygmorchis pusilla, though they seem to be a bit more delicate.

[camille1585]

One that would fit your description or a mini orchid that is, is non fussy is Podangis dactyloceras. It's a miniature (10cm/4in tall). It's given as a warm-hot grower, but it also also very tolerant of intermediate temps. It's easy to keep, providing that you keep it mind that it likes to dry out completely between waterings. It produces white flowers which seem to sparkle in the light, and are surprisingly long lived despite their delicate appearance!

Sophronitis cernua (now Cattleya cernua, but is easier to find under the old name) is another nice mini. It does best mounted since it's rather linear rambling growth will quickly spill over the side of a pot.

[Just Rosie]

Thank you all so much for the suggestions! I especially like Dendrobium pachyphyllum and Phalaenopsis parishii. I found a seller who has Gastrochilus fuscopunctatus, which I think is just plain adorable. Although, it sounds like it needs a rather cold night from what I was researching. We'll see! There are just too many tiny species and I want them all!

---------- Post added at 08:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:42 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Ray

[/COLOR]Rosie - where in N GA? Just curious; I'm a Tech grad and did a LOT of hiking and camping up north back then.

I live in the dallas/acworth area

[Roberta]

Specklinia (Pleurothallis) endotrachys - Not sure if you'd call it "micro"... plant is about 4 inches (8-10 cm) but the flowers are very cute and colorful. It's a sequential bloomer, so an inflorescence can keep popping out new flowers for a year or more. Intermediate (Tolerates cool but doesn't require it), wants good water.

http://orchidcentral.org/Images/Pleu...endotachys.jpg

http://orchidcentral.org/Images/Pleu...rachys%202.jpg