Recommendations for cool-growing miniatures with interesting foliage

[Another_World_Terraria]

I'm looking for recommendations fitting all of these criteria:

* miniature / micro-miniature

* cool or intermediate-cool temps (night temp 55F average, fluctuates up and down a few degrees)

* interesting foliage and/or growth form (shape, texture, color of leaves = attractive when not in bloom)

* doesn't mind being moist most of the time (daily misting)

* species only (not hybrids)

Thanks for any suggestions

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[Dimples]

I haven’t had the need to do so myself, but it sounds like you need to give Andy, of Andy’s Orchids, a call. He’s in San Diego and is the knower-of-all-things. If he doesn’t have it, he’ll probably know who does.

[Roberta]

Andy for sure. Another place to look is Tarzane Group They specialize in mini, micro, and micro-mini species. You'll certainly want to include some the the "jewel orchids" in the mix, which are grown more for their beautiful leaves than their flowers.

[Another_World_Terraria]

Thanks for the replies.

I was hoping some folks online would have species recommendations to help me build a wishlist, but I can definitely contact Andy as another resource.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Another_World_Terraria

Thanks for the replies.

I was hoping some folks online would have species recommendations to help me build a wishlist, but I can definitely contact Andy as another resource.

Where to start... overwhelming.

Lepanthes calodictyon for sure meets the "pretty leaves" criterion. There are some other relatives also with really attractive leaves. Lepanthes telipogoniflora is spectacular, flower is huge relative to the plant.

While not a lot have really attractive leaves, most are fairly attractive. Masdevallias certainly come to mind... little jewels. Most of them love cool and moist. And Restepias, little bugs. Lots of other Lepanthes are also beautiful. And don't limit yourself to Pleurothallids... some of the high-elevation Papua New Guinea Dendrobiums (like Cuthbersonii) are in bloom for months (leaves not that special, but with flowers that last 6 months or more there's color) . And Vandaceous species like Ceratochilus biglandulosus or Haraella retrocalla are frequent bloomers. Decent leaves, but lots of flowers. Angraecum urschianum has really interesting leaves, and a flower that huge relative to the plant.

The list goes on and on... Take a look through the Terrarium Gardening subforum, there are lots of ideas there.

[Another_World_Terraria]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Where to start... overwhelming.

Lepanthes calodictyon for sure meets the "pretty leaves" criterion. There are some other relatives also with really attractive leaves. Lepanthes telipogoniflora is spectacular, flower is huge relative to the plant.

While not a lot have really attractive leaves, most are fairly attractive. Masdevallias certainly come to mind... little jewels. Most of them love cool and moist. And Restepias, little bugs. Lots of other Lepanthes are also beautiful. And don't limit yourself to Pleurothallids... some of the high-elevation Papua New Guinea Dendrobiums (like Cuthbersonii) are in bloom for months (leaves not that special, but with flowers that last 6 months or more there's color) . And Vandaceous species like Ceratochilus biglandulosus or Haraella retrocalla are frequent bloomers. Decent leaves, but lots of flowers. Angraecum urschianum has really interesting leaves, and a flower that huge relative to the plant.

The list goes on and on... Take a look through the Terrarium Gardening subforum, there are lots of ideas there.

Thank you for the suggestions, I will look into those

[Waterdog111]

Always nice to have newcomers to the forum🤝

[komo]

You could always get some nervillia or corybas, others that come to mind are pleurothallis cypripediodies, bulbophyllum reticulatum, pretty much any papuan dendrobiums, or many lepanthes species have interesting leaves. I'm a big fan of your channel