Which miniature orchids? - mounted/window possibilities

[Tyrell90]

Hi, I ordered compendium of mini orchids, but its a gift, so I cant now look on info on species, so decided to try luck here, among experts. Due to very high costs of energie, Id prefer minis, that do not require artificial lights or being in paludarium, terrarium fogging etc. We have a warm room and I want either mounted on wood piece... Where to place it, wall? / window option placement. You Can suggest me if You be so kind as much plants as possible, which are fine in such conditions, they can be pricey thats not an issue, just day to day lighting isnt best option for me due to war, I think it get better soon and I could set some nice tropical paludarium. Wish You all Merry Christmas! Thanks

[estación seca]

Most homes have low relative humidity. Most minis need high humidity to grow well. A terrarium or paludarium is needed for most of them. They dry out in a typical home, even if you water twice per day.

The minis that tolerate lower humidity prefer lots of light.

One you might try is Dendrobium (or Dockrillia) prenticei. It grows in a part of Australia that has a dry winter. It grows in full shade in habitat.

Some people are able to grow Tolumnias in homes, but I think they would need supplemental lighting as far north as you are.

A problem with growing orchids at northern latitudes is that the winter day length is short. Most epiphytic orchids come from near the Equator. They have day lengths near hours all year. Also, winter light near the equator is much stronger than light at higher latitudes. These are both reasons why supplemental lighting is used.

[Tyrell90]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Most homes have low relative humidity. Most minis need high humidity to grow well. A terrarium or paludarium is needed for most of them. They dry out in a typical home, even if you water twice per day.

The minis that tolerate lower humidity prefer lots of light.

One you might try is Dendrobium (or Dockrillia) prenticei. It grows in a part of Australia that has a dry winter. It grows in full shade in habitat.

Some people are able to grow Tolumnias in homes, but I think they would need supplemental lighting as far north as you are.

A problem with growing orchids at northern latitudes is that the winter day length is short. Most epiphytic orchids come from near the Equator. They have day lengths near hours all year. Also, winter light near the equator is much stronger than light at higher latitudes. These are both reasons why supplemental lighting is used.

Hi and thanks a lot, what if I buy quality humidifier, that wont be an issue, dnes the portfolio of minis Id be able to have enlarge? Please, give me at least 2 or 3 tips on what I can order, Christmas is knocking on the door, I may even not be able to get in Time, will see offer. I wouldnt bother you, but my books on minis were still not delivered and I do not have relevant info, so Im very greatful, that you provide for me. I want to prepare paludarium in future, but that is a matter of time. Now I will just Invest to humidifier, do you have any tips on good one but not very pricey, some midclass?

[estación seca]

Even with a humidifier you're unlikely to get the humidity high enough in a home for most of the small Pleurothallids from Central and South America.

I would recommend several Dockrillias. You might find them sold as Dendrobium: Doc. lichenastrum, linguiforme, prenticei (a form of lichenastrum), teretifolium, toressae. I know people who grow some of these on mounts hanging in their kitchen window. They dunk them in water every time they use the sink.

Dockrillia

Dockrillia linguiformis - Growing Native Plants

IOSPE PHOTOS

Dockrillia site:www.anbg.gov.au - Google Search

---------- Post added at 12:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:11 AM ----------

Another thought came to mind - you can grow miniatures in large glass vases or jars. Some people cover them and some leave them open. Some people put the bottom of the wood mount into a layer of water at the bottom of the vase.

The photos have been removed from this older thread but Leafmite grows Haraella retrocalla, and others, this way.

Lepanthes telipogoniflora - Orchid Board - Most Complete Orchid Forum on the web !

[Roberta]

Consider Leptotes... they like to dry out between waterings, the leaves are quite succulent. Take a look at this (rather long) thread under Member Projects
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...tml#post995516
Any of the species or all of them, similar conditions. You might need some supplemental light in winter, but they can be quite forgiving. I grow them mounted (outside) but other people grow them in small pots indoors.

Neofinetia (Vanda) falcata... these can be an addiction all by themselves since there are many varieties within the species.

Sophronitis (now Cattleya) - Sophronitis (Cattleya) cernua might be a very good one for indoors - it grows a little warmer than most of the other species. I grow it mounted (outside), it dries out considerably between waterings. If the house is very dry, could also be grown potted. (Suggest medium bark in a clay pot - the clay gives some evaporative cooling of the roots)

A truly odd one... Pleurothallis (Acianthera) sarracenia (Acianthera bragae) Succulent leaves suggest that it can handle some drying. Acianthera in general contains species that used to be Pleurothallis, that are rather succulent (therefore tolerant of drying out) where most other Pleurothallids need more humidity.

Dendrobium hekouense. Winter-deciduous (I still water it, but it needs less in winter, very tolerant)

[Leafmite]

I did grow them all that way until I hung them in an aquarium with lava rock and water on the bottom. They did great until I introduced two new orchids that infested the aquarium with bush snails. Did I ever mention how much I hate bush snails?

Here are some small mounted orchids that I have that would do well in a window. All of mine are mounted to wood or plastic and the mounts are attached to a small plastic lattice so that I do not loose any.

Sophronitis cernua, Sophronitis Scarlet Imp, Schoenorchis fragrans, Schoenorchis scolopendria, Leptotes bicolor, Leptotes pohlitinocoi, Bulbophyllum auratum and Haraella odorata (no special care).

Two others I have that would be easy to grow mounted and that do not get very large are:
Angraecum didieri and Vanda falcata.

[Tyrell90]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I did grow them all that way until I hung them in an aquarium with lava rock and water on the bottom. They did great until I introduced two new orchids that infested the aquarium with bush snails. Did I ever mention how much I hate bush snails?

Here are some small mounted orchids that I have that would do well in a window. All of mine are mounted to wood or plastic and the mounts are attached to a small plastic lattice so that I do not loose any.

Sophronitis cernua, Sophronitis Scarlet Imp, Schoenorchis fragrans, Schoenorchis scolopendria, Leptotes bicolor, Leptotes pohlitinocoi, Bulbophyllum auratum and Haraella odorata (no special care).

Two others I have that would be easy to grow mounted and that do not get very large are:
Angraecum didieri and Vanda falcata.

Oh, hi, so I have plenty possibilities! To buy a jar like before mentioned or as you have terrarium isnt problém. Please, can you post a picture of the terrarium sestup, could you be so kind or recommend some good Youtube channels? Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[naturalistSean]

Action markets (here in Austria but I think you have them in Czech also) has cheap large glass vases. They are glass cylinders so not tapered. They also have cheap little glass plates. One of those vases with water in the bottom and glass plate on top provides a nice humid environment for miniature orchids. I hang the plants off the side with wire bent into a hook shape.

[Leafmite]

I looked and found that I also have Tuberolabium sarcochiloides and Tuberolabium kotoense on there.
I am posting a picture of my mounted orchids on the plastic lattice. I apologize that some do not look great but I made the mistake of thinking my goldfish tub was snail free and let the mounted orchids soak overnight. The snails apparently loved the treat.