Minis as opposed to small plant

[suefourmet]

It's my understanding that "mini" means small flower size rather than a small plant. If that is the case, is there some kind of key word I could look for to guide me toward small plant size. I'd love to try a small (dwarf?) cymbidium, for instance. ( I know its difficult indoors, etc.) but I'm not quite sure what to actually look for.

I'm going to an orchid show in Orange County, CA. on Friday, so maybe I can see some actual example of what I'm looking for.

Sue F.

[luckygrower]

Sue, where in Orange county is the show? and who is putting it on? I would like more information on this show.I live in San Diego and would like to attend.

[Oldguypops]

Sue,

I was wondering the same thing. Quite often the term 'compact' is used for the plant size, but one doesn't know how 'compact' it is.

I am also looking for a small Cym and have received some good information on this Cym thread I started 2 weeks ago:
Are there any true 'mini' Cymbidiums?

Enjoy the show and good hunting.

[cb977]

Hi Sue

An orchid is only considered a "mini" if the leaves are less than 6" in length. Many minis are known to produce rather large blooms in comparison to the plant itself.

[shams]

only the leaves have to be less than 6"? Not the whole plant?

[quiltergal]

I believe the 6" limitation applies to height as well.

[minicatt]

In most cases, when one refers to miniature orchids, the plants are under 6-8 inches. There are many many orchids that fit under this height! The exception is in mini-cymbidiiums. These are merely smaller sized than standards and can still be over a foot in height. I would not consider them as true miniatures.

The show this weekend is the long standing Fascination of Orchids show at the Orange County fairgrounds.
Website is listed here:

Fascination of Orchids International Orchid Show

It's a nice show that's well attended both by visitors and Orchid vendors!
Peter.

[suefourmet]

Peter,

Your photos are beautiful! I am looking forward to seeing your display in person!

[Jerry Delaney]

"minis" in most orchids is related to their overall hight (excluding the inflorescence). But, as if things were not confusing enough, minis in Cymbidiums refers to the size of the flower. Cym madidum for example, is a widely used parent in making mini Cymbidiums yet is one of the largest Cymbidiums vegetatively. Go figure!!

[Oldguypops]

I guess the only way to tell how big a Cym is, is to actually see the full grown plant, or know someone with one.

Great pix Peter.