Minature Orchid Accents for Bonsai? Help please?

[Triffid]

The Newbie has a query

One of the other house interests we have is Bonsai. And we are looking to do a rock display piece which will hopefully encompass some Miniature Orchids.

However being new to this I am unsure how to proceed with the selection process.

The idea we have is an island style. I know that humidity and drainage are considerations that need to be addressed. We were planning to put the tree (Still to be selected depending on Orchid selection) at the base of the display, with the mini orchids to be displayed higher up the rock. As of yet we are still in the planning process and wont be doing any manual work on this till at least Spring 2010.

Ideally the flowers should not be more than 1cm in size. Could anyone with some miniatures or experience please advice me on which one's might prove more successful for this project.
Or perhaps there's someone out there who's already done this?

Any help on this would be most appreciated.

[Epiphile]

I think that the majority of plants with flowers this small fall within the Pleurothallidinae- that would be a good place to start looking around. You'll find plenty in the temperature range you'll be maintaining, and they're all pretty darn cute. Humidity needs to be quite high, but if you can manage that (if you're growing on stone, I'd imagine you'll need to), they should do well for you.

I would have recommended Neofinetia falcata, but you'd specified a smaller flower size.

[Undergrounder]

I looked into this as well and i ended up picking Bulbophyllum exiguum, which is a native orchid here in Aus. It's the perfect bonsai orchid if you're looking at size, its leaves are about 3cm long and its flowers less than 1cm.

The only problem with it (and all orchids you're going to stick on bonsai) is that you need to water it basically every day, mist roots a lot, etc.

[Triffid]

Thank you you've given me a something to think about! I have had a look and there do seem to be some good deal of mini Pleurothallidinae flowers to consider.

Despite the size factor after looking at a picture of a Neofinetia falcata I can see the potential and will definitely consider this a contender. (Though the final display may end up being bigger over all. It's a scale thing )

You're right in imagining that it will be stone, most likely soft tufa rock if we can get hold of some. Another consideration was a handmade ceramic piece, but this is less likely.

The worrying thing is the more I think about this, the more I want to create more than one display. Guess I'll just have to reign my enthusiasm in before I bite of more than I can chew.

Advice and suggestions always welcome

[Triffid]

Oh, I'm such a slow writer!

Thank you Undergrower!
I will definitely look into this one as well! The size sounds ideal! Bulbophyllum exiguum is so twee!

If it does need a lot of moisture this may be a plus rather that a minus as the bonsai people we have spoken to do recommend keeping the soil of the Bonsai moist.

[Undergrounder]

Well Pleuros do really love moisture, but they don't really like growing on rock. They don't have anything against rock, it's just that they don't really like to have exposed (read 'dry') roots. The Neo would be a great choice, but it's a little bigger than you want.

I saw a great one, only about an inch big and in flower recently, but i can't remember its name. It would have been perfect..

[Triffid]

I'm guessing here. (Can you tell? )

So with Pleuros, rather than have a Fern Block attached to the rock, digging a pot hole in the Tufa would be a better option to keep the roots less exposed?

If you remember the name I'd love to know. The smallest I've seen a picture of was Platystele minimiflora, the whole plant of which is hardly bigger than a grain of rice! But I think that one may be beyond my capabilities.

[Epiphile]

I can't wait to see what you come up with, personally. I like the sound of what you have in mind.

Undergrounder- good point about the Pleuros' roots wanting to stay moist. I believe there are a few lithophytes in there, but I guess it really narrows the choices down. Perhaps growing live moss on the stones and planting on top of that would encourage them some, and certainly might help in keeping the maintenance down.

There was a thread on this board that I'd read a little while ago where someone asked what would grow well on stone- looking through there might give you some neat ideas, as I believe there were some photos of some pretty impressive displays.

On a side note, I'd love to get my hands on one of those B. exiguums- adorable.

[Triffid]

Well you guys have certainly given me hope that this project will (with proper planning) be a success. And when we are fully ready to embark on this venture we will be sure to document the process. Though be warned, it may take a couple of years before it all comes together! (Such is the nature of these things)

Epiphile, I will be looking for the thread you mentioned. Should have some info that will prove useful

[s.kallima]

You should look into the bean leaves Neofinetia, some are really small (mameba, seikai...).
If you let the rock dry a bit between watering, you could try some Schoenorchis fragrans, Chiloschista.
In the Bulbophyllum, you can find some really miniature species (miniature bulbophyllums)