Miniature Orchids in the Stanhopea Alliance

[theroc1217]

I have been searching for a couple years for miniature/small orchids in this alliance, and haven't had any luck. Is this because they don't exist, or just aren't very popular?

[golforchid]

Small growing members of this alliance include Paphinia and Kegeliella Of the two genera, probably easier to acquire Paphinia than Kegeliella. Try Andy's OrchidsAndy's Orchids - Orchid Species - Orchids - Species Specialist - Orchids on a stick

[theroc1217]

Andy's has both for sale, but Paphinia seegeri is looking really good. I don't have any flowers with form like that, so I think that might be my best bet. Are there really no miniature Stanhopea or Gongora though?

[santiago]

there are small plants. i think schlimmia is the smaller from that alliance.
and the smallest gongora will be G. dressleri.
none of those would qualify as miniture, though

[gnathaniel]

My BS Gongora galeata is pretty compact, not sure if it'll stay that way or if I'm just not growing it well, but it's been around the same size for years.

Sievekingia, Xylobium, and particularly Schlimmia all have species that will stay small, going by the few I've seen of each. Most Schlimmias are from higher altitudes and need cool conditions, but I think there are one or two warm growing species.

I recommend checking with Gary Meyer at Colombian Orchid Imports. His sources seem to carry a lot of harder-to-find Stanhopeinae, and the one time I ordered from him the quality and communication were very good.

[Manfred Busche]

Trevoria and Schlimmia produce the smallest plants and flowers in the Stanhopeinae Subtribe.

The flowers are fragrant and short-lived.