Will this work as an Orchid Terrarium???

[VMStearns]

Here is a current picture of my little terrarium. I'm happy to say that it appears to be happy. The blooms are on the Lepanthes telipogoniflora. None of the miniature orchids had any sign of spikes or blooming activity when they were place in the terrarium.

It is difficult to see but the Haraella Retrocalla (left, near the mouth) is working on at least one bloom. I don't know whether the Encyclia Polybulbon in the center will ever bloom as it wants more light than the other two. We shall see...It's season is Fall to Early Spring and I thinking about rigging something outside of the terrarium so it can get some the bright/moderate light it wants this summer to encourage it to bloom come fall.

[Ro3bert]

Originally Posted by VMStearns

Here is a current picture of my little terrarium. I'm happy to say that it appears to be happy. The blooms are on the Lepanthes telipogoniflora. None of the miniature orchids had any sign of spikes or blooming activity when they were place in the terrarium.

It is difficult to see but the Haraella Retrocalla (left, near the mouth) is working on at least one bloom. I don't know whether the Encyclia Polybulbon in the center will ever bloom as it wants more light than the other two. We shall see...It's season is Fall to Early Spring and I thinking about rigging something outside of the terrarium so it can get some the bright/moderate light it wants this summer to encourage it to bloom come fall.

You said in my thread "Building an Orchid-arium"you used, "slabs (and moss)". I'm assuming, local, from your yard or local forest. Is that the case? Just curious.

[VMStearns]

You assume correctly...the moss is from our backyard literally. We have lots here in the Northwest. The slab/limbs were from a pile outside at Seattle Orchid where I purchased the plants. They were instrumental in assisting me with selecting and assembling the terrarium.

[tropterrarium]

I think your suspicion that Dinema polybulbon may not flower at light levels suitable for Lepanthes and Haerella is spot on. In my setting, Dinema sits up very high towards a bank of 4 T5s, while Haerella was low in shade, Lepanthes is also a very shady plant. I doubt you can get all happy in the set-up you have.

[VMStearns]

Thanks for the confirmation. AND for the correction. These orchid name changes are confusing!!!

I'll figure out something new for the Dimena Polybulbon and will check my source for a more compatible micro-orchid for my little terrarium.

[MrsSky]

I love your fish-so creative and cool

[VMStearns]

Thanks...the creativity certainly took long enough. I've had the fish "vase" for about three years. It took me that long to finally "see" it as a potential orchid home.

[VMStearns]

I'll post pictures in a week when I get back from camp. But in the mean time I wanted to let everyone know that the Harella Retrocalla has a total of two blooms on two spikes and it looks like the Haraella Retrocalla might be throwing more spikes. I hope to know for certain next week, and will post pictures then.

[RandomGemini]

Ooh! I would love to see pics! I just purchased a haraella retrocalla myself this weekend.

[VMStearns]

The pics aren't very good but here are a couple of the terrarium as it is right now. I just wish I had a better camera

When I get back, I'll get more pics with the new orchid that I just ordered to replace the Dimena polybulbon that is NOT happy with the low light. The other two appear to be VERY HAPPY and are growing madly in their little space.