Compiling a List of Miniatures - Share your Suggestions!
 

Hello all,

I am currently trying to compile an orchid wish list and was wanting input from others. I am interested in miniatures as you could tell from the title of this post. I keep my orchids in an enclosure which gets good airflow, remains mostly room temp (68-72F or so) maintains a humidity of at least 65%, and is on an automated misting schedule. With this information, what are some interesting miniature orchids that you would recommend? I'm open to all suggestions.

Thanks!
Chris

Haraella retrocalla for sure - very hardy, and also fragrant, blooms several times a year, each time several flowers successively.

Ada (Brassia) brachypus - lots of charming flowers, about 1 inch (2 cm) on a plant that is about 3 inches (7-8 cm)

Masdevallia floribunda . Probably the least-picky Masdevallia, tolerates both warmth and cold.

Ceratochilus biglandulosus - long-lasting flowers bigger than the plant, name bigger than both.

Dendrobium (Dockrilla) lichenastrum is one of my favorite minis that I grow, it does quite well in dry conditions. I have REALLY low humidity and water once or twice a week on a cork mount and it seems to be doing well.

I was also going to suggest Haraella odorata, it really is a cutie! Some other favorites (some of which I've given up on for now since I don't have a terrarium or enclosed growing area where I can raise the humidity)

• Phal parishii or Phal lobbii
• Schoenopsis fragrans - tiny little thing with the cutest clusters of pink flowers
• Aerangis rhodosticta
• Dendrobium cucumerinum - this is an cool looking plant, with fleshy leaves that look like prickly cucumbers.
• Gastrochilus japonicus - a personal favorite!
• Sophronitis cernua - very mini plant now called Cattleya cernua which produces brilliantly colored (orange-red to bright red) flowers. Also a favorite.

I think I'm going to keep an eye on this thread, I curious to see what other minis people will suggest. They are my favorite type/size of orchids to grow. :)

My Den. lichenastrum is doing really well and currently has a new growth.

Some other miniatures I have that are doing well are:

Schoenorchis scolopendria
Bulbophyllum odontopetalum
Oncidium coloratum
Dendrobium torresae
Dendrobium limpidum

I would like to get a mounted Masdevallia floribunda mentioned above, as well as a mounted Trisetella hoeijeri.

Check out Andy's Orchids. That's where both of mine came from, the Trisetella only a few weeks ago... if not on the website, email and ask because what's on the website is only about 10% of what they have.

Wow, 4 of them are going on my list now!

Sophronitis cernua
Schoenorchis fragrans
Aerangis rhodosticta
Dendrobium cucumerinum

The Dendrobium looks great, I love how the leaves are so textured and warty looking

Some I grow or have grown in the past:
Note: I have no idea about the humidity requirements

Dendrobium (Dockrillia) rigidum: Yes, another dockrillia. This one has thick oval leaves with yellow and red fragrant flowers. People say it's a bulletproof plant and it has been for me so far.

Dendrobium pachyphyllum: Another dendrobium. Frequent bloomer if you water frequently. Small, 2-leaved pseudobulbs. All plants often bloom at once. Small, fragrant, flowers, although they only last for a day.

Any Jewel Orchid: Although I have not been able to keep one alive for long, I'm sure you can. They have shiny leaves and some, like Anoectochilus also have cool looking flowers.

Bulbophyllum contortisepalum: Plant with very cool flowers, frequent bloomer. The plant itself is tiny. Might be hard to find.

Bulbophyllum ovalifolium: Tiny plant, nice flowers. Likes cool.

Bulbophyllum lemniscatoides: A very strange-looking plant. Fat, conical, pseudobulbs. Tiny, black, flowers. Deciduous, so you'll need to not water when it goes dormant.

Bulbophyllum ayuthayense: Strange deciduous plant with flat pseudobulbs. Slow grower. Might be hard to find.

Bulbophyllum polliculosum: Havent grown this one yet, but it's just like B. Ayuthayense above but it likes cooler temps and the plant and flowers are grey.

Phalaenopsis japonica, formerly known as Sedirea japonica.