Dendrobiums?

[Kali Hibiscus]

I would like to know is it possible to have these in a Terrarium ?

I looked through the best orchids for Terrarium thread and most seem to be the type of orchids that need more moisture. I was thinking of making a Dendrobium display and have it not be a humid and on the wet side.

[gnathaniel]

You could definitely grow some Dendrobium species in terraria, certain sections like Oxyglossum and Latouria tend to appreciate abundant moisture and high humidity. The genus is so big and diverse, though, that it's impossible to make generalizations. Do you have particular ones in mind?

--Nat

[Kali Hibiscus]

Hi Nat

Here is a list I came up with from looking at all ( yes all lol) the dendrobium on Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia

I made this list based on size. Some of the Dendrobiums I like seem to get long long canes and this may not work in a terrarium.

dendrobium cuthbertsonii
Dendrobium unicum
Dendrobium loddigessii
Dendrobium unicum
Dendrobium subacaule
Dendrobium subuliferum
Dendrobium sulphureum
Dendrobium brassii
Dendrobium brevicaule
Dendrobium aurantiroseum
Dendrobium agathodaemonis
Dendrobium alaticaulinum
Dendrobium putnamii
Dendrobium pentapterum
Dendrobium petiolatum
Dendrobium prasinum
Dendrobium peguanum
Dendrobium nardoides
Dendrobium lamyaiae
Dendrobium masarangense
Dendrobium leucocyanum
Dendrobium dichaeoides
Dendrobium dekockii
Dendrobium dickasonii
Dendrobium pachyphyllum
Dendrobium bellatulum
Dendrobium Jenkinsii
Dendrobium cuthbertsonii
Dendrobium laevifolium

( I think these are the longer cane dendrobiums I like anyways )
Dendrobium cyanocentrum
Dendrobium primulinum
Dendrobium kraemeri
Dendrobium cucullatum
Dendrobium Victoria Reingae
Dendrobium pierardii

[gnathaniel]

I'd be wary of trying the section Dendrobium species (loddigesii, unicum, lamyaiae, dickasonii, primulinum, cucullatum) in a constant-condition terrarium as they typically need cooler and drier periods in the winter to grow and bloom well. jenkinsii and bellatulum also need cooler and somewhat drier winter conditions.

A lot of your other selections are in sections Oxyglossum or Pedilonum and might do well in your conditions provided you can give them the right temperatures (some are cool growers). Maybe someone else with more knowledge than me will chime in.

One of the best ways to thoroughly research these species is to get the Bakers' culture sheets. These detail many aspects of year-round climate in habitat and also have useful tips from other experienced growers. You can buy them for $1 or less apiece at Orchid Culture -- Charles and Margaret Baker (there are some free sample ones so you can check out the format). If you're REALLY into Dendrobiums, the Bakers published a book of these sheets for almost the entire genus; I've seen it on ebay for as little as $70 or so, a great bargain considering how many species it covers. Hope this helps!

--Nat