Restrepia angustilabia and Masdevallia nidifica in jar style terrarium

[ShadowFarmer]

I recently ordered a Restrepia angustilabia and a Masdevallia nidifica from Andy's Orchids. I chose these species because of their low light requirements.
I was planning on growing them in a glass jar style terrarium with no extra fans or lights. I am aware that air circulation might be an issue, so I was thinking of leaving the terrarium without a lid.
Do you think this can be done?

[Leafmite]

You can very likely grow these without fans as long as there is plenty of space around each plant. I looked these up and they come from cloud-forests, like my little mini-mini Pleruos. If you plan to keep the top open, you should make certain that whatever you use is deep enough that the tops of your plants will still be getting the high humidity. Drier air won't make them very happy. With my little ones, I leave them on the mount and keep a little water in the bottom for the mount to wick up to the roots (as they tend to always want to stay damp).

I really like your choices, especially your Masdevallia. Good luck with your new orchids!

[ShadowFarmer]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

You can very likely grow these without fans as long as there is plenty of space around each plant.

That's great to hear! What is the purpose of air circulation? Is it to help the roots dry out after watering and avoid root rot?

[Leafmite]

With most of the cloud forest plants, you do not want the roots to dry out. However, the plants will get fungus issues if the air circulation isn't adequate. You will also have issues with mold, too, on the mounts. I do not use fans for mine but I do try to keep them well spaced and make certain that there is ample room above them so that they do not have issues. Except for the Masdevallia nicaraguae, my Pleuros are mini-minatures and I have three table-top greenhouses from World Market (they had a sale!) to keep all of them. The Masdevallia that I have doesn't need as high humidity as yours will and is in a clear glass candy container without the lid.

---------- Post added at 11:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 AM ----------

I find the ones I have easy to grow, much easier than my other orchids. I sit the mounts in food-storage containers and, about once a week or so, I need to add a little water. About once a month, I give them a little fertilizer. The Masd. needs to be watered more often because the container is open and the water evaporates.

[ShadowFarmer]

Mini orchids in table-top greenhouses sounds like it would be my #aesthetic. Do you have pictures?

I'm so excited for my orchids to arrive! I've been driving everyone at home mad, talking about them nonstop. I'll definitely keep your advice in mind, and I'm sure my orchids will do great!