Orchids that do well in terrariums.

[JackieM]

I recently acquired a terrestrial orchid- Ludisdia Discolor and did some investigation on the growng conditions. It is a prime candidate for terrariums because it requires higher than normal temp. and humidity. Haven't created a terrarium yet, but it should look great with those gorgeous leaves.

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by JackieM

I recently acquired a terrestrial orchid- Ludisdia Discolor and did some investigation on the growng conditions. It is a prime candidate for terrariums because it requires higher than normal temp. and humidity. Haven't created a terrarium yet, but it should look great with those gorgeous leaves.

Would you please publish Ludisia discolor's photograph? By any chance is it a synonym of Hamaera discolor, one of those beautiful jewel orchids long held as ideal subjects for terrarium? Let me correct your view about terrarium temperature. They need not necessarily ensure higher enclosure temperature but all that you get inside is higher humidity that enables plants looking fresh and bright all the time.

[Tindomul]

I have some Ludisia discolor in my terrrarium/orchidarium. I keep it moist, and relatively dark and has already bloomed for me.:



Macodes petola also does very well. It has not bloomed for me yet, but keeps on growing.

[Ross]

Wow! Tindo, how tall is the plant and spike? My plant is approx 9" tall (counting pot).

[Tindomul]

It looks like it was 18-20 from substrate to tip of spike. The new growth that took over after blooming is even taller than the last one. So if it blooms again, the spike might be too big for its own good

[Ross]

Do you get roots popping out from the lower nodes on yours? Mine has several root starts (or more accurately, bundles of root hairs.)

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

I have some Ludisia discolor in my terrrarium/orchidarium. I keep it moist, and relatively dark and has already bloomed for me.:



Macodes petola also does very well. It has not bloomed for me yet, but keeps on growing.

Much as I suspected Ludicia is Haemaria(I had misspelt it in my previous mail) is from Malysia like many other jewel orchids from south and south-east Asia. Most of them are grown entirely for their beautiful foliage rather for their somewhat dull flowers. Please refer to Hortica page 89 to get the identity confusion.

[littlefrog]

I think Ludisia discolor is the current name, they used to be Haemaria discolor. At least that is the way they are entered for shows and sold these days. Someday they will change it back, no doubt.

Rob

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by rsfrid

Do you get roots popping out from the lower nodes on yours? Mine has several root starts (or more accurately, bundles of root hairs.)

I have been growing this jewel orchid for years in the open in Mumbai. the stems are succulent and look more likesausages, purplish and creep just above the sandy medium. Roots drop from joints to remain embedded in the sand. Haemaria branches out well to form an attractive ground cover. It can take a lot of sun and reasonably higher temperature(upto 38 C) for months without getting burnt. It will thrive in shallow pots and appreciate ample watering.

[Kwazarr]

I've recently set up a viv in my place with some smaller epiphytic orchids in it. A couple that I've been finding that have been doing well there is Dendrobium kingianum and Restrepia condorensis. I don't have pictures of the first but it has been putting on new growth a fair bit in the past couple of months. The Restrepia bloomed within a week of placing it in the viv and has 2 more on the way already!



Enjoy!



Ross.