Psygmorchis pusilla

[wisdomseeker]

Bloom progression












(Another one) in flower mode


Synonyms (other earlier names) for this plant have changed throughout the years. Psygmorchis pusilla has been a fun and overall easy orchid for me (along with being a faithful bloomer). I have been growing these in small terrariums (6" x 6" x 8's and 8" x 8" x 12's) under bright artificial lighting for about 4-5 years. I'm glad I included this plant into my collection.

Temperatures usually range from 70-88F, relative humidity around 70-90%, misted once (or twice) a week. I grow these on mounts with some moss near the base of the plant. Occasionally, I will see questions pertaining to the longevity of this orchid along with comments about this plant "being short lived" and "blooming itself to death". My original plants are still alive & blooming. They have produced several new fans and bloom for me about every 2-3 months. The flowers last for a couple of weeks.

A few of my growing enclosures and a few plants currently "not" in bloom

[DeaC]

Your tanks remind me of the days when I'd be sitting in a Dr's office being mesmerized watching fish in their tanks,lowering my blood pressure. My knowledge of fish was nil but if I saw your setup,I'd have an appreciation and understanding of what I'm looking at and enjoy it immensely. TY

[wisdomseeker]

Thanks... appreciate your comments and kind words!

Taking a few moments out of the day to stare at my plants is definitely a stress reliever (especially when life becomes hectic). I have grown quite fond of miniature orchids. They seem to "fit the bill" nicely for small terrariums.

[KE8ICR]

I had no luck growing psygmorchis pusilla it developed a fuzzy white fungus on its roots and I had to discard it. If I try it again, it will go into an enclosure like yours. It's very beautiful !

[wisdomseeker]

Originally Posted by KE8ICR

I had no luck growing psygmorchis pusilla it developed a fuzzy white fungus on its roots and I had to discard it. If I try it again, it will go into an enclosure like yours. It's very beautiful !

What were your growing conditions/maintenance routines? Was the plant mounted or potted?

I've found that consistent conditions are key to this plant's health & longevity. I try to keep them fairly humid (50% or better RH), warmish (above 74F), regular watering & fertilization routines (letting them dry out before watering again), and pump them with bright light for flowering.

They continue to keep rolling along for me. I need to purchase a new camera in the near future (crappy close-ups with my old aged camera).

[KE8ICR]

It was mounted and hung in my window. I got it at the very beginning of my orchid adventure, and perhaps I over watered it. The rest are doing ok though (I have 24 now) I am learning more and more all the time. I am reading up on how to put a terrarium or orchidarium or even a vivarium together. I want to start small but I am not sure how to provide air movement yet.

[wisdomseeker]

Originally Posted by KE8ICR

It was mounted and hung in my window. I got it at the very beginning of my orchid adventure, and perhaps I over watered it. The rest are doing ok though (I have 24 now) I am learning more and more all the time. I am reading up on how to put a terrarium or orchidarium or even a vivarium together. I want to start small but I am not sure how to provide air movement yet.

I really like your use of words "my orchid adventure". I've lost a few in the past due to over-watering (and/or keeping constantly wet).

Let us know how your terrarium/orchidarium/vivarium project turns out if you decide to put one together. Sounds like you are doing your homework before 'diving-in', which is a good thing.

I have a few orchid growing enclosures with passive air circulation (vents, gaps in the tops, etc.), and a few that have active air circulation (forced, using a device to enhance air circulation)... using inexpensive computer fans.

An example (fan is mounted off the glass top pointed down)



I use eggcrate on the bottom of this set-up with some standing water.



The fan runs on a timer with the light (turns on & off with the light fixture ~ runs for about 10 hours). It provides gentle circulation throughout the entire set-up. You really cannot see it unless you are looking for it (up close and personal, per se). My initial thought before doing this was: the fan would dry out the plants too quickly, along with decreasing humidity.

Actually, the fan worked out to be beneficial in my application. Hygrometer shows humidity increases about 10-15% with the fan on (I think the position of the fan along with the standing water in the bottom helps with that), and the plants don't dry out any quicker than by not using the fan.

[KE8ICR]

Oh computer fans! What a great idea thanks