Which Phal species would you consider miniature?
 

I only have NoIDs right now, but I would like to refocus my attention to some species and primary hybrids. Which species stay small and compact in regards to the actual plant size? I haven't actually seen any species in real life so please forgive me for asking this. It's not so easy to determine a plant's size in real life when looking only at internet pictures.

So far I have these on my list of potential new roomates. Can anyone provide approximate leaf spans for mature plants? I'd rather not get anything that will grow more than 12 inches wide.
Chibae
Equestris
Lobbii
Parishii
Wilsonii

What about Pulcherrima, Lindenii and Deliciosa? Thanks

I have equestris and it is fairly small. No idea if it is considered a mini, though.

I have found equestris to be quite variable in size. I had a huge one, and now have 3 smaller ones. The are still seedlings so am not sure how big they will actually get. OrchidWiz says that the leaves will be anywhere from 6-8 inches long. You can't beat equestris for it's free flowering habit, and it's variety in color.

Lobbii and parishii are similar in size and culture. Lobbii has leaves 4-5 inches long, parishii has leaves 2-6 inches long.

Deliciosa has leaves 1.5-7.5 inches long so apparently quite variable. I would not attempt this one unless you are growing in a greenhouse.

Chibae can grow leaves up to 4.5 inches long.

Wilsonii has tiny leaves only an inch long, but in nature it is deciduous before flowering.

Pulcherrima has leaves 2-6 inches long, but the inflorescence can be up to 24 inches in length. The spike tends to be erect so you would most likely get the full 24 inches in height. Personally I prefer an arching spike, but that's just me.

Pulchra is one you might consider. Leaves up to 6 inches long, and it has a very pretty purple flower

Hope this helps. :)

I would agree with Terri -- both about equestris typically being a small grower but not a mini, and with her mini recommendations. (My Lovely Kid -- a parishii x lobbii hybrid -- has never had leaves over 3inches. Whether that is strictly the result of the parishii or whether some lobbii also have leaves much smaller than 4-6 inches, I do not know.)


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Thank you everyone for all this information. Terri, that was the exact kind of info I was looking for. I want to get Phal. Orchid Classic's Golden Showers (Chibae x Deliciosa) first before I try the species deliciosa since I don't have a greenhouse, but I may try it if I ever set up a terrarium.

Equestris is the one that got me interested in all the other species. It's at the very top of my list.

There are all sorts of color forms for equestris. I have pictures of some of the more common ones in my album. I think the clone 'B#100' is currently my favorite. I have quite a few more that I would still like to get. However, I am on an orchid diet for 2014!

maculata
modesta
javanica

(Sedirea now Phalaenopsis) japonica

Which Phal species would you consider miniature?
 

I agree with you White Rabbit: Sederia japonica now part of the Phalaenopsis family. This plant has a pleasant citrus scent. Blooms last a week. The leaves grow about as long as 4 inches, if that much.

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Japonica's flowers only last about a week? Wow, I didn't realize they were so short lived.


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