New to mineature orchids

[flytrap7108]

Hi i just started to grow orchids about a year age and it became a big problem. I got so into this hobby that space is going to be my number one enemy. I kind of learned about mineature orchids but I really dont know alot about them. I would like to know witch mineature orchids are best for my condition. my growing area gets about 60% humidity and gets an average of 10 degree temperature drops a night. The max temp is about 85 degrees in the summer.

[Sandy4453]

So far, so good flytrap. Your conditions sound good for a lot of different kinds of minis. Light will tell which ones to get and assumng you've got good light for them, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums and so much more, come in mini sizes. CoolPhrog, (a moderator, here) is finishing up her website and will post info shortly. She specializes in minis and compact growing orchids. She also will have culture sheets for all the different ones she's offering.

Stay tuned...!

[Orchidophile]

Those are good conditions. I have a problem with space too, and now I am trying to get rid of my larger orchids. I try to stay away from the cooler growing mini's, though they hard to resist because there are so many of them especially in the Pleurothallid alliance.

[flytrap7108]

Cool I cant wate. o I forgot to say that I have a medial HID light system so there is no problem there.

[Ross]

Can you share any further info? Like is the area lit exclusively with HID light? Or is it a window-based area? How much humidity are you able to add to the 60%? Is that the max? Or are you able to mist or supplement?

The reason I ask, is I grow mostly minis, and I have two situations. I have a south-facing window box area approx 2 feet by 4 feet horizontal and layers of hanging mounts vertically (see the following picture)

The area is lit by the windows as well as four sets of t5 HO florescent lights. I maintain normal dry room air humidity in this area, so it fluxuates betweens lows in 40% range to highs in 60% range. In this area I grow Sophronitis, many Masd.'s, a couple Epidendrums, Sedirea, Tolumnia, Maxillaria, Phal Mini Mark Holmes, mini Brassavolas, Dendrobium senile, Laelia briegerii, and a couple Neofinetias.

I have a high humidity wardian case in the basement where temps are moderated (not too cold, not too hot) and it is kept at 90+ percent humidity. It is totally under artificial light (a bank of 4 t5 48" florescent HO tubes) and several cooling fans as well as fans inside the tank. Here is the setup:



Depending on how far you are willing to go in your new collection, you can grow high-humidity minis like most of the Angraecoides, or you can stick with the low humidity plants like I mentioned above.

Hope this helps. If you remain confused or overwhelmed, just ask some pointed questions, like: will XXXXX plant grow in my conditions?

[flytrap7108]

I built a 6foot buy 8 foot buy 4 foot growing area out of wood. It is a very simple set up. I got a fan in it and a wheel humidifier. I have one medail HID 400 Watt bulb and I think the only problem I have is keeping the light on at a constant rate Because there is a switch. I think the max humidity gets around 70% and during the summer I bring all the plants out because it gets to hot. I put the plants at max 1 and a half feet away from the bulb. I am able to water them every day if mounted. I am not good at growing orchids in pots.