Asian miniature orchids for terrarium
 

Dear forum

I am in search of some miniature species for my Asian rainforest terrarium.

The conditions are:

• Temperature 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F) all year, with no night reduction
• Humidity is about 80-90%
• Plants would be sitting on a branch with EpiFabric and Sphagnum or similar

I am looking for:

• Tiny Asian orchids that sit on a branch alongside some moss
• Attractive foliage or spectacular flower
• If flowering occurs throughout the year that's a plus

Plants I have found so far that I am considering:

• Schoenorchis scolopendria: Pretty sold on this one already
• Haraella retrocalla
• Dendrobium lamyaiae: I really like the flower. I was told the conditions might not be suitable though since it wants cooler temps and dormancy
• Ceratostylis retisquama (a little too tall)
• Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi (a little too tall)
• Bulbophyllum macranthum (a little too tall and probably too warm for her)

Any thoughts on the plants on the list, and/or any other suggestions I should check out?

Consider Den trantuanii, and Den. bellatulum. Both grow under a range of temperatures, trantuanii definitely likes warm and bellatulum really doesn't care. Somewhat deciduous, but don't seem to need drying out.

Also on the South American side, Macroclinium manabinum (or any other member of the genus). They are little, floriferous, and warm-growing. Pleurothallis tribuloides (grows over a wide range of temps, better on the warm side) and Pleurothallis pubescens (defnitely prefers warm). And most of the Dichaea species like warm and humid.

Thank you, much appreciated!

Seems like some Dendrobiums might be a good choice. Would you say Dendrobium lamyaiae is not suited for constantly warm temperatures?

Not a lot of information on that one... seems to come from a range of habitats, worth a try.

I was looking through the Compendium of Miniature Orchids to see if I could find any info on lamyaiae (no luck) but spotted Den puniceum ... very orange... and described as intermediate, no rest. If you could find it, would probably do very well. (Oh, that set of books is dangerous...:biggrin:)