Are there any true 'mini' Cymbidiums?

[Oldguypops]

With the knowledge base on this board, I guess this is the place to ask this question.

I have no Cymbidiums but would like one. I'm looking for one that would be 12-14" or less in total height, not including the pot. Is there such a thing?
All that I have looked at seem to be much bigger than that, even if they claim to be "mini's".
(I favor yellows, browns, or oranges.)

Thanks

Chris

[Dorothy]

I don't even own a cymbid but you can look for the chinese or oriental cymbs - Dragon Agro Products - Cymbidiums, Chinese Cymbidiums.
Some of the these threads in the archives to get an idea of some of the cymbs member here have -
Cym. ensifolium 'Bao Dao Yan Zhi'
Cymbidium ensifolium v. Tie Gu Su Xin (铁骨素心)
Cym. lancifolium
Here is a cymbidium species pictorial - Cymbidium Species
and here - Asian Cymbidiums
You can purchase some here - Mount Prospect Orchids - Other Species & Hybrids
and here - Cymbidiums, Chinese varieties and others(updated on November 6, 2007)
and a few here - Petite Plaisance - Orchid Species, Calanthe vestida, Catasetum roseum, Chondrorhyncha amazonica, Chondrorhyncha chestertonii, Cirrhopetalum fascinator, Cirrhopetalum makoyanum, Cirrhopetalum putidum, Cirrhopetalum rothschildianum, Cirrhopetalum Eliza
There is a site that I can't find that has quite a few of the minis .. I'll keep looking ...
This should give you a good start until the cymbid growers respond.

[Dorothy]

Don't forget to check these out at Santa Barbara Orchid Estate -
Ultra-miniature
Miniature Cymbidiums

[Oldguypops]

Wow!

Nice work Dorothy!!

Some of these places I've been to and didn't find what I was after, but I will check out the others.

Chris

[Dorothy]

You are very welcome
and Good luck in your searching
(I haven't found that site yet .. I think Sue knows of it also but she's at the WOC .. we'll just have to wait until she returns .. I bet she's having a blast!)

[christina waines]

I have recently begun to specialize in "mini" or dwarf cymbidiums and while I am still learning I do have some very nice small species. As far as my research goes mini refers more to the size of the flower rather than the size of the plant,but there are some species that are dwarfs in plants size when compared to the cyms we are all more familiar with. Many of these are prized in Taiwanese culture and can be very expensive especially any with varigation on the leaves. Take a look at Cym ensifolium and its varieties. These plants are no taller than 8 to 12 inches and produce tiny flowers with huge scent. Cym Goerengii is another tiny plant with exquisite flowers. My favorite though is Cym Sinense. The foliage is taller than the other two by a few inches and the flowers are incredibly fragrant. These came into bloom in my greenhouse recently for the first time and I was blown away by how incredible the fragrance is. These plants are incredibly beautiful and are prized not only for the flowers but very beautiful foliage. Check them out. They are easy to grow.
I will post pics when I figure out my new camera
Christina

[Oldguypops]

Hello and thanks Christina. I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures.
When you take them, try putting something common in the picture for a frame of reference, so we can tell the size of the plant. Most of the time I can't judge how big a plant is because I don't know how close to the plant the picture was taken. (I have been fooled more than once thinking it was a small plant and in actuality it was 2-3' tall! )

Thanks again for your reply.

Chris

[christina waines]

Will do but give me an idea of something common?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by christina waines

Will do but give me an idea of something common?

How about something like a milk jug?

[Dorothy]

What about a yard stick?
I have seen many people use a litre bottle or soda can.