Sourcing tropical miniatures

[ralphmanning]

Hi all,

Wasn't sure where to post this exactly. But I am a beginner so I figured I'd post here.

I'm enquiring as to where to source suitable miniature orchids for my terrarium. The temperature will be kept around 26° centigrade at 90%> humidity. There are fans circulating air internally, so despite high humidity there is also good airflow.

Researching on the web has led me to a few suitable genera including Pleurothallis, Bulbophylum, Lepanthes, Stelis and some Masd.

Firstly is this correct? And would only specific species from those genera be suitable to my conditions? Or am i safe with any sp. from those genera? I understand some Masdevillia prefer it cooler?

Secondly, I'm having difficulty finding anywhere in the UK that sells them though. I've looked online and enquired at various garden centres with no luck at all. Just Phalaenopsis and Paphs galore. Any recommendations?

Much appreciation,

Best regards
Ralph

[Magnus A]

Hi

There is an old thread that list orchid vendors in EU. As UK is a part of the free market within EU you should have no problem ordering from the Europeen vendors!

Orchids Vendors in Europe

For recomendations of plants there is alot of them. Some vendors lists temperature range for their plants but I usually dubble check them on the internet.

What about night temperature in your growing cabinet? Is the light the only heat source?

If the remperature fall to about 18-20 degree C by night there is alot of Pleurothallis, Lepanthes, Stelis and Masdevallia that should do fine. Bulbophyllum is more warm growing in general than above but should prosper in your temperature.

/M

[Rowangreen]

Agree, you can order from EU sellers just as easily as UK ones: no need for CITES paperwork for stuff moving within the EU.

Since it's getting a bit chilly though I'd order quick if you are going to, or you may have to wait till after the winter!

Also, if you are close enough/have the time there's a major orchid show near Bath this weekend. Show, lots of amazing sellers (you are likely to find at least some plants...), lectures and a few other things including chance to see the venue's orchid greenhouses and propogation lab. I'm going by public transport and have been lucky enough to find accomodation a short walk away.

WSBEorchids | The home of the Writhlington Orchid Project

[ralphmanning]

Originally Posted by Magnus A

What about night temperature in your growing cabinet? Is the light the only heat source?
/M

Thanks very much Magnus! I will check out that list and order soon. Temperature at night will be allowed to fall to the temperature in my flat at night. Around 20. I have a day/night pulse thermostat hooked up to a heatmat. My lighting is LED. High output Cree XP-E LEDs at 6500K. TMC AquaRay GroBeam 1000 tile, I recommend it. But being LED, it doesn't produce a huge amount of heat, so I can't rely on it. I have the thermostat set for 19 at night, so the heatmat will kick in if it drops.

Originally Posted by Rowangreen

Also, if you are close enough/have the time there's a major orchid show near Bath this weekend. Show, lots of amazing sellers (you are likely to find at least some plants...), lectures and a few other things including chance to see the venue's orchid greenhouses and propogation lab. I'm going by public transport and have been lucky enough to find accomodation a short walk away.

Thanks also Rowangreen. Makes sense about the winter temps for delivery. Cheers for the tip. I will order soon. I'd love to attend the show. Bath isn't too far. I'm in north London so it's a few hours. But I've got a fair bit on this weekend unfortunately.