what to look for when picking out miniature?? TIPS/HELP

[kavanaru]

check these:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...log-entry.html
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...e-t5-tube.html
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...tal-light.html
you will easily see that Ross is "our tubes expert" Ross!

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...errariums.html
Dracula orchids for a vivarium?
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ium-gardening/

I am currently (slowly) working in my first terrarium too, and those threads have been of great help!

[quiltergal]

Den. atroviolaceum is small to very compact. I wouldn't call it a mini though. Mine is probably 6-7" from the bottom of the pot to the tips of the leaves, however, it will form large clumps pretty quickly.

[Ross]

Sorry I'm late, but I'd recommend Dracula lotax for a couple reasons. It will tolerate warmer temps like 80s, but won't bloom till the temps drop below 70s. Mine is just starting to spike (I have 3 of them). Also they like pretty low light - like 500-800 foot-candles. Perfect for bottom of your tank. They love moisture - in nature they are found alongside waterfalls where air is misty, cool and moving. They do not tolerate lots of fertilizer. Frog poop would be plenty. Really clean water - like distilled, RO, etc. much like you'd want to use for frogs. Lastly, they stay small - mine aren't more than 4" tall, not counting the pot.

[cb977]

My favorite Den mini...Den oligophyllum!!!

Get one, you won't regret it

[PacMan]

Awesome thanks guys and gals. Ill for sure have to do some more research on this whole lighting thing..I think the lights i have now will do fine, but ill look into it some more. As for all the recomendations for plants, thanks. Lots of awesome orchids out there. I going to be hard to just pick a few of them.