New setup plant advice

[VERN-O]

I recently acquired this terrarium to be....I want to plant a miniature orchid in it. I’m open to easy growing orchid suggestions....main concern is limited air flow and potential low light levels

Considering the following orchids:
Dendrobium Nano Chip ((Micro Chip x aberrans))

Phalaenopsis Mini Mark ((Micro Nova x philippinensis)..

[camille1585]

Hard to judge the size of the container, but neither of the plants you mention are actually miniatures. Compact plants, but not mini at all. Neither of them need an enclosed environment to do well, unless your humidity is extremely low, they do well in ambiant conditions.

I'm hesitant to suggest any plants, because I don't know if anything will work in a closed off environment, with no air flow.

[Subrosa]

Haraella odorata

[VERN-O]

Sorry I forgot the dimensions
12inches tall
10inches wide/across

[Pattywack]

I have several small terrarium setups with miniature orchids. I actually have this exact container, vacant at this point and ready for a plant or two. For now, I use it to quarantine new acquisitions and I leave the top ajar most of the time. Leca in the bottom kept damp.

I have a much smaller setup I’ve had for four years with my Schoenorchis fragrans as the only plant inside. I have a top that fits the tiny vase and I leave it open during the day and cover it at night. There are a few stones in the bottom of the vase and I keep a small amount of water in the bottom. The Schoenorchis is mounted and hangs from the lip of this vase, mount doesn’t touch the water. The vase is very tiny, it sits in a southeast kitchen window and the little fragrans grows and flowers beautifully every year. There is not much air flow even with the top removed, the plant has been growing and obviously happy. The last two years it has had double spikes!

I would recommend not keeping your setup constantly covered.

[VERN-O]

Originally Posted by Pattywack

I have several small terrarium setups with miniature orchids. I actually have this exact container, vacant at this point and ready for a plant or two. For now, I use it to quarantine new acquisitions and I leave the top ajar most of the time. Leca in the bottom kept damp.

I have a much smaller setup I’ve had for four years with my Schoenorchis fragrans as the only plant inside. I have a top that fits the tiny vase and I leave it open during the day and cover it at night. There are a few stones in the bottom of the vase and I keep a small amount of water in the bottom. The Schoenorchis is mounted and hangs from the lip of this vase, mount doesn’t touch the water. The vase is very tiny, it sits in a southeast kitchen window and the little fragrans grows and flowers beautifully every year. There is not much air flow even with the top removed, the plant has been growing and obviously happy. The last two years it has had double spikes!

I would recommend not keeping your setup constantly covered.

Pattywack.....OMG I love the Schoenorchis fragrans!! And I appreciate the suggestions on leaving the lid off when possible....Thank you!!!

[Paul]

Considering the media in there (appears to be mainly peat with sphag on top?), I would not recommend planting any orchid in it. Furthermore, I definitely would not put either of the two orchids you mentioned in there as neither is likely to enjoy the stagnant conditions.

In general, most plants, whether orchids or other, won't like the set-up you are planning. Closed terrs rarely last long term. The moisture and stagnant air makes for a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi .... many of which will be detrimental to any plants one has in there. Providing adequate lighting for the plants without cooking them is another issue. That said, I have had some luck with growing Lepanthes calodictyon and Lp. telipogoniflora in a mostly closed terr. (Container has a few air holes in it.) The media is damp, fluffy sphag. Both plants are mounted with the mounts resting on top of the sphag.

Damp, fluffy sphag or just a layer of pumice, leca, et cetera would likely be your best bet.

There are a few minis that may work provided they are not in the media but rather above it -- mounted on a rock or "log" resting on the media or hanging above it.

[camille1585]

Another cute and small orchid that may do well and benefit from the extra humidity is Phal parishii (or the very similar lobbii). They are usually mounted rather than potted, and are excellent terrarium plants. Haraella odorata is another nice one. Depending on the size of the plants, you may be able to fit 2 in there. But with stones/ leca in the bottom as already suggested by Patty.

Agree with leaving the jar open for some air circulation. I have done this with a vase, and it works well.

[bjmac]

Platystele umbellata is a spectacular miniature orchid with leaves measuring 2” or less in length. The flowers on this species unlike the others however are on a very congested, umbellate pendule. This gives the appearance of a small ball of flowers on the end of the pendule. The flowers themselves are all dark red to maroon really making them stand out in a tank even though they are only 2-3mm in diameter each. This has been a great bloomer for me, also this would leave you room for another small orchid or a piece of Marcgravia.

[estación seca]

Any of the jewel orchids. Look up Dossinia marmorata and Luidisia. If you go with these, get rid of the peat and only have a 1-2" / 2-5cm layer of sphagnum moss.

Remember terraria become plant steamers if the sun shines on them.