Definition of a mini... - Orchid Board

calypsoB · #1 05-21-2011, 02:41 PM

Hi everyone,

I am interested in buying mini's but I wanted to make sure my definition matched the actual definition. So what is a mini? small leaves, small pots, small flowers, small overall?
Thanks!

Zoi2 · #2 05-21-2011, 07:33 PM

Yes you pretty much have it--small overall but it will
depend on the type of orchid, for instance mini catts are around 6-8" tall and a Haraella odorata is about 2-3" tall.
Joann

Paul · #3 05-21-2011, 09:52 PM

With catts, it depends somewhat on to whom you speak. Personally, I do not consider a catt a true minicatt unless it is less than 6 inches tall over all. Catts in the 6 to 9 inch range are compact catts. If you are shopping for minicatts, it is generally wise to ask a vendor just how tall their mini's get.

ronaldhanko · #4 05-21-2011, 10:22 PM

Northen in her book on miniature orchids (mostly species) defines them as plants under six inches, but Frowine in his book on miniatures has plants listed that are 18-24 inches. I prefer Northen's approach.

ezil · #5 05-22-2011, 12:41 AM

I agree with Paul and Ronald. 18"-24" is quite large. If you are looking for hybrids, look up the sizes of the parent plants. It also doesn't hurt to ask vendors at shows or meetings if they have pictures or specimens of the mature plants. Some minis are also described as micro mini. That doesn't mean much until you can compare it to something else.

calypsoB · #6 05-22-2011, 03:15 PM

Thanks Everyone!
just one more question though

where is the measurement taken from? spike, leaf height/width? If it does end but being the spike and it is curled,does one uncurl and measure? I sound really dumb!LOL! but I am curious!

ronaldhanko · #7 05-22-2011, 03:52 PM

The whole thing is not written in stone - Northen's definition of a mini as under 6" does not include the flower spike. Some very small plants, mini Onicidums, Trichoceros, etc. have quite long spikes.

Paul Mc · #8 05-22-2011, 06:23 PM

I must agree that nothing is written in stone. I bought one plant that was called a mini and was shocked by what I got. Yes, it was smaller than most of my other orchids but you need a magnifying glass to enjoy the flower. My impression was that the flower would have been a bit larger so you could just simply enjoy it without visual aids.

I'm not sure what you're looking for exactly, but you might want to keep that in mind.

Just thought I'd share my experience.