Beginner-ish grower looking for terrarium tips

[Sever603]

Hi Everyone, I am brand new to the forum and am looking forward to the discussions to come.

I have grown orchids in the past, and have been on a bit of a hiatus the last few years. I got into the hobby after inheriting my father's collection. The plants I have some experience with are coelogyne fimbriata, dendrochilum bicalossum, Oncidium, Bifrenaria, Laelia, cattleya, and phaelanopsis.

I had to give up the collection because a move forced me into a space that was very difficult for orchids, with only north facing windows.

After a few years and a little more expendable income, I have decided to give it another go. I have all of my father's orchid books and he had listed some species that he had interest in, I think one or two of these species would be a good start, as well as a nod to my father who got me started.

The genus' he highlighted in his books are as follows.... Amesiella, bletilla, dialaelia, trichopilia, dendrobium pendulum & loddigesii, and brassovola.

The second question is, I have a 75 gallon fish tank that I no longer use, it's dimensions are 48 1/2" long x 18 1/2" deep x 21 3/8" high. If I were to convert this tank into a terrarium, would any of those genus/sp be suitable for a terrarium?

My perception is that a terrarium environment would be easier to control than attempting a windowsill again, but I may be wrong about this.

Also, if I were to go this route, what are some pitfalls or tips to suggest before I begin putting something together?

Thanks for looking! I look forward to your responses!

[PaphMadMan]

Amesiella is perfect for a terrarium, being a true miniature. Some of the smallest Brassavola species and hybrids are also suitable if you have enough light - entirely depending on your choice of lighting systems.

With only 21 3/8" total height the pendant growth of the 2 Dendrobium species and pendant flowers of Trichopilia would be challenging, and the tall upright spikes of Bletilla and Dialaelia equally problematic unless the top is completely open.

And most terrarium set-ups tend to run significantly warmer than room temperature. Some of those species are cooler growers as well. Unless you have specific means to keep things cool you will have to concentrate on intermediate to warm growing species - as well as concentrating on miniatures and near miniatures, or at least growth habits that will fit the space.

The higher humidity of a terrarium is a distinct advantage in many cases, but the more open the terrarium is to keep heat down and provide air circulation the lower the humidity will be. In a more closed system to maintain humidity an internal fan to circulate air becomes essential.

So you will have some research to do - either find plants that will fit the light, humidity, temperature and air circulation you can provide - or plan to invest in the means to provide the light, humidity, temperature and air circulation the species you want require - as well as balancing size constraints.

But all of the plants you listed could be grown on windowsill with supplemental lighting - though you still need to think about temperature and humidity as well.

[Sever603]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply! You make very sensible points, and this is just what I was looking for. I definitely want to try to do it right the first time. I am aware of some other small warm growing species, but I'm not sure the Amesiella will work well with say a bulbo. If I remember right there are a few miniature masdevallia, but some also seem like cooler growers. I think you are right, it will take some careful reading and planning before I get too far ahead of myself.

[Leafmite]

Try Andy's Orchids for some ideas. In the upper right corner of the home page there is a Power Search Button. I often use this to find orchids to fit into my conditions. I have a twenty-gallon with warm growing orchids (many Bulbophyllum plus a few others).

Here is the link:

Andy's Orchids - Species Specialist - Welcome Orchids - Species Specialist - Orchids on a stick