Growing Miniature Orchids in the BiOrbAir Terrarium (part two)

Welcome to the second part of my Miniature Orchid Trial – Growing Miniature Orchids in the BiOrbAir, a specialised, automated terrarium, which was designed by Barry Reynolds. If you would like to start at the very beginning and read the first part of this trial and review, please click here.

Miniature Orchid Trial

For this trial, Growing Miniature Orchids in the BiOrbAir, I have chosen a variety of different miniature orchid species, originating from different climates and countries, to trial growing inside my BiOrbAir terrarium. Throughout my trial, I will identify miniature orchid species that will grow well inside the constant conditions provided by the BiOrbAir terrarium. I hope this trial will help you if you’re interested in growing miniature orchids or planting your own indoor terrarium garden.

You can see the full planting list of all the plants that I have trialled growing inside this Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium that’s featured in this review here, where you’ll also find the details of the nurseries and companies I used to purchase the miniature orchids, moss, and cork for this terrarium.

Terrarium compost

I used the peat-free, coir compost that was included with my BiOrbAir as the growing media for this terrarium. This compost is also available separately from Reef One. I followed the straight-forward instructions to pre-soak the compost before adding it to my terrarium, when I planted it six months ago. I didn’t add any other growing media or fertiliser, I used only the coir compost provided with the BiOrbAir.

Fertiliser

In the six months since planting I haven’t used any fertilisers on either the moss or the coir compost inside this terrarium, the moss has been watered only with rainwater. The moss is still looking in optimum condition, it’s a beautiful verdant green and provides the perfect backdrop for the miniature orchids. Any fertilisers I use and any care and maintenance of either the plants or the terrarium that I undertake, I will detail here in my review – I hope this will help you if you’re looking to start a terrarium or if you’re interested in growing miniature orchids.

I mist my miniature orchids when I think they would benefit from some additional moisture. I have been feeding my miniature orchids, I have used Orchid Focus Grow and Orchid Focus Bloom. I purchased both of these fertilisers from the shop at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. I feed my orchids only sparingly, following the instructions on the pack; these miniature orchids wouldn’t naturally receive an abundance of nutrients in their natural environment. Over feeding can be detrimental to your orchid plants, causing further problems.

Irrigation

Naturally, I will regularly top up the base reservoir of my BiOrbAir with rain water as required; the water in the base reservoir will be absorbed by the capillary matting, which is fitted to the support tray above the base reservoir, which in turn will moisten the compost above. The absorption of water through the capillary matting will keep the coir compost moist, and as a result, the moss will be watered automatically.

I will regularly top up the ultrasonic misting unit with Humidimist, a pure bottled water, low in electrolytes, available from Reef One and included as part of the package when you purchase a BiOrbAir. The Humidimist is the only type of water recommended for use in the ultrasonic misting unit of the BiOrbAir, and it is the only product I will use.

Epiphytic miniature orchids

All of the orchids that I have chosen for this trial are epiphytic – epiphytic plants grow naturally on other plants, often trees, these trees or plants provide support and a place for the orchid to grow. Epiphytic plants are not the same as parasitic plants like mistletoe, they don’t take any sustenance from their host plant, they don’t cause any harm to the plant they are growing on, they simply use another plant as a support to raise them up and gain a better position, taking all their water and nutrients from the air, the rain and any accumulated debris that has collected in the branches of their host tree. All of the miniature orchids featured in this trial have been mounted on cork bark.

Cork for terrariums

Cork is such an amazing and interesting, fascinating natural material, obtained from the bark of Quercus suber, (commonly known as the Cork Oak) cork has many uses. The cork industry is regarded as sustainable, as the Quercus suber trees are not required to be cut down to harvest the bark, and harvesting the bark does not harm the tree – the Quercus suber trees continue to grow after their bark is harvested and their bark also re-grows, the trees go on provide future harvests at regular intervals every 9 years or so.

Terrarium planting list

Currently the following miniature orchids are growing inside this Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium:

Aerangis fastuosa
Angraecum equitans
Diplocaulobium abbreviatum
Domingoa purpurea
Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’
Masdevallia decumana

Five of these miniature orchids were included in my original planting of this terrarium six months ago, I then added the Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ specimen in January 2016. As you’ll see from the list of plants above, I have only one Aerangis plant left growing inside this Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium – sadly my Aerangis punctata died, and was removed from this terrarium in December 2015.

Recently I received a question from a reader, who asked if my Aerangis fastuosa, might in fact be an Aerangis fuscata, a rarer miniature orchid, which is also from Madagascar. I must admit, when this miniature orchid arrived in the post, I did have a question mark in my mind as to whether I had been sent the orchid I requested when I placed my order. I have looked up different Aerangis varieties, and have spoken to many orchid experts, but currently I cannot say with any certainty which species of Aerangis I have received. The best and easiest way to identify this orchid will be if it flowers. I say ‘if’, as this Aerangis doesn’t look as healthy or happy as I would like, this plant certainly doesn’t look as if it will produce a flower any time soon.

Here’s a link to the planting list for this Miniature Orchid Trial Terrarium. This list contains more information about all of the orchids that are growing inside my Miniature Orchid Trial Terrarium. Any plants that I add in the future will also be added to the list. If you scroll to the bottom of this planting list, you’ll find a list of all of the nurseries and suppliers where I have purchased my plants, cork, moss, etc.

Firstly, a recap, here’s a picture of my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, this photograph was taken in August 2015, shortly after set up:

My Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, pictured on the 26th August 2015.

Here’s a photograph of my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir, taken five months later, at the end of January 2016:

My Miniature Orchid Trial Terrarium, as pictured on the 30th January 2016. In this photograph you can see my Masdevallia decumana and my Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' in flower inside my BiOrbAir terrarium. — My Miniature Orchid Trial Terrarium, as pictured on the 30th January 2016. In this photograph you can see my Masdevallia decumana and my Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ in flower inside my BiOrbAir terrarium.

Aerangis fastuosa

Angraecum equitans

Diplocaulobium abbreviatum

After I took this photograph, I removed the leaf from this Diplocaulobium abbreviatum specimen that had small, dark markings at its tip, you can see this leaf in the photograph above.

Domingoa purpurea

Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’

I have only recently introduced this miniature orchid into my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, this is Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' as pictured on the 5th February 2016. — I have only recently introduced this miniature orchid into my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, this is Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ as pictured on the 5th February 2016.

Masdevallia decumana

Miniature orchid flowers

I am very excited to have a Masdevallia decumana specimen and a Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ specimen in flower inside this BiOrbAir terrarium! My Domingoa purpurea specimen is also in the very earliest stages of producing a flower, but it will be a long time yet until this particular orchid flowers.

This morning the second bud on my Masdevallia decumana opened. There's just one more bud which is yet to open, this one will open in the next few days. This Masdevallia decumana is pictured on the 3rd February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir terrarium. — This morning the second bud on my Masdevallia decumana opened. There’s just one more bud which is yet to open, this one will open in the next few days. This Masdevallia decumana is pictured on the 3rd February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir terrarium.

Here's another photograph of my Masdevallia decumana, taken on the 3rd February 2016, you can also see my Domingoa purpurea at the top of the cork, this orchid is in the early stages of flowering. — Here’s another photograph of my Masdevallia decumana, taken on the 3rd February 2016, you can also see my Domingoa purpurea at the top of the cork, this orchid is in the early stages of flowering.

Here's the very tip of the longest flower spike of my Domingoa purpurea, as pictured on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — Here’s the very tip of the longest flower spike of my Domingoa purpurea, as pictured on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Masdevallia decumana flowering

Here's my Masdevallia decumana in full flower, as pictured here on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — Here’s my Masdevallia decumana in full flower, as pictured here on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here's my Masdevallia decumana in full bloom, as pictured here on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — Here’s my Masdevallia decumana in full bloom, as pictured here on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here's a close up of my Masdevallia decumana in full bloom, as pictured here on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — Here’s a close up of my Masdevallia decumana in full bloom, as pictured here on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here's my Masdevallia decumana as pictured here in full flower, on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — Here’s my Masdevallia decumana as pictured here in full flower, on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ flowering

Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' as pictured in flower, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 5th February 2016. — Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ as pictured in flower, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 5th February 2016.

Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' as pictured in flower, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 5th February 2016. This miniature orchid currently has three flowering stems, all of which produce these beautiful, glistening, teeny, tiny, star-shaped flowers. — Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ as pictured in flower, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 5th February 2016. This miniature orchid currently has three flowering stems, all of which produce these beautiful, glistening, teeny, tiny, star-shaped flowers.

Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' as pictured in flower, next to a British five pence piece, included to demonstrate the diminutive size of its rather wonderful, enchanting flowers. Pictured inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, on the 5th February 2016. — Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ as pictured in flower, next to a British five pence piece, included to demonstrate the diminutive size of its rather wonderful, enchanting flowers. Pictured inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, on the 5th February 2016.

Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' as pictured in flower, next to a British five pence piece, included to demonstrate the tiny size of its beautiful flowers. Pictured inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, on the 5th February 2016. — Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ as pictured in flower, next to a British five pence piece, included to demonstrate the tiny size of its beautiful flowers. Pictured inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, on the 5th February 2016.

My Aerangis fastuosa or possibly Aerangis fuscata? As pictured on the 5th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Aerangis fastuosa, a Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' complete with its exquisite purple flowers, and a Masdevallia decumana complete with its large, captivating patterned flowers, as pictured inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, on the 5th February 2016. — Aerangis fastuosa, a Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ complete with its exquisite purple flowers, and a Masdevallia decumana, complete with its large, captivating patterned flowers, as pictured inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, on the 5th February 2016.

Here's my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, as pictured on the 5th February 2016. Currently I have a Masdevallia decumana and an Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' in full flower, and a Domingoa purpurea just coming into flower! I get so much pleasure from my BiOrbAir terrarium and the miniature orchids I grow inside it. — Here’s my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, as pictured on the 5th February 2016. Currently I have a Masdevallia decumana and an Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ in full flower, and a Domingoa purpurea just coming into flower! I get so much pleasure from my BiOrbAir terrarium and the miniature orchids I grow inside it.

Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ flowers

A close up of one of the flowering stems of my Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky', as pictured on the 8th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — A close up of one of the flowering stems of my Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’, as pictured on the 8th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here's one of the flowering stems on my Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky'. I love this miniature orchid, it grows well inside the BiOrbAir terrarium, flowers readily, and is a charming plant to have as part of your collection. — Here’s one of the flowering stems on my Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’. I love this miniature orchid, it grows well inside the BiOrbAir terrarium, flowers readily, and is a charming plant to have as part of your collection.

A close up of one of the inflorescences on my Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' as pictured inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 8th February 2016. — A close up of one of the inflorescences on my Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ as pictured inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 8th February 2016.

13th February 2016

Masdevallia decumana flowers

Masdevallia decumana in flower inside my BiOrbAir terrarium on 11th February 2016. This miniature orchid produces very large, showy, glamorous flowers, it's a great miniature orchid to have in your collection. — Masdevallia decumana in flower inside my BiOrbAir terrarium on 11th February 2016. This miniature orchid produces very large, showy, glamorous flowers, it’s a great miniature orchid to have in your collection.

Masdevallia decumana in flower inside my BiOrbAir terrarium on the 11th February 2016.

On the 12th February 2016, I accidentally dropped the bottle of rain water that I was pouring into my BiOrbAir to top up the base reservoir with rainwater. As you can see I soaked the miniature orchids with the water and knocked a flower off my Masdevallia decumana. — On the 12th February 2016, I accidentally dropped the bottle of rain water that I was pouring into my BiOrbAir to top up the base reservoir with rainwater. As you can see I soaked the miniature orchids with the water and knocked a flower off my Masdevallia decumana specimen.

I noticed that the newest of the blooms on my Masdevallia decumana is fading, I am not certain if this is due to my accident with the rain water yesterday, or if it would naturally be fading now. Pictured on the 13th February 2016 inside my Miniature Orchids Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Domingoa purpurea flower spikes

These are the two flower spikes on my Domingoa purpurea, as pictured on the 13th February 2016 inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. I do have concerns that the flowers will be blasted, being so close to the fan and lights........time will tell. — These are the two flower spikes on my Domingoa purpurea, as pictured on the 13th February 2016 inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. I do have concerns that the flowers will be blasted, being so close to the fan and lights……..time will tell.

Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ flowers

Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' produces these pretty purple star-shaped flowers. They are exquisite flowers, I admire how they glisten and add a delicate beauty to my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ produces these pretty purple star-shaped flowers. They are exquisite flowers, I admire how they glisten and add a delicate beauty to my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Lepanthopsis astrophra 'Stalky' in full bloom. This miniature orchid plant currently has 4 flowering stems, which currently have 11 open flowers and 13 buds at various stages of development. — Lepanthopsis astrophra ‘Stalky’ in full bloom. This miniature orchid plant currently has 4 flowering stems, which currently have 11 open flowers and 13 buds at various stages of development.

My other BiOrbAir Terrarium

Inside my other BiOrbAir terrarium I currently have Restrepia sanguinea, Restrepia purpurea ‘Rayas Vino Tinto’ and Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ in flower, to take a look inside this terrarium and see these miniature orchids, please click here.

Masdevallia decumana flowers

In the background of this photograph, you might just be able to make out a new flower bud on my Masdevallia decumana. I have just one open Masdevallia decumana flower on this miniature orchid, after accidentally dropping my bottle full of rainwater onto this orchid last week! Pictured on the 19th February 2016 inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’

Diplocaulobium abbreviatum

Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' pictured flowering inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, on the 23rd February 2016. Behind the Lepanthopsis you can see my Masdevallia decumana, which is also flowering. — Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ pictured flowering inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, on the 23rd February 2016. Behind the Lepanthopsis you can see my Masdevallia decumana, which is also flowering.

Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' pictured flowering inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 23rd February 2016. — Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ pictured flowering inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 23rd February 2016.

Here's my Masdevallia decumana flowering inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. Currently there are two more buds which are yet to open on this miniature orchid. I am enjoying admiring this super orchid and its beautiful, large flowers. — Here’s my Masdevallia decumana flowering inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. Currently there are two more buds which are yet to open on this miniature orchid. I am enjoying admiring this super orchid and its beautiful, large flowers.

Domingoa purpurea flower spikes

My Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium as pictured on the 23rd February 2016. Inside this terrarium Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' is in full flower, as is my Masdevallia decumana, my Domingoa purpurea is yet to flower, but is in the early stages of the flowering process. — My Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium as pictured on the 23rd February 2016. Inside this terrarium Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ is in full flower, as is my Masdevallia decumana, my Domingoa purpurea is yet to flower, but is in the early stages of the flowering process.

I noticed some progress in the flowering of my Domingoa purpurea today - 24th February 2016. — I noticed some progress in the flowering of my Domingoa purpurea today – 24th February 2016.

Domingoa purpurea pictured in the early stages of flowering, inside my Miniature Orchid BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 24th February 2016.

25th February 2016. This flower on my Masdevallia decumana is just going over.

My Domingoa purpurea flower spike as pictured on the 25th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

My Domingoa purpurea flower spike as pictured on the 26th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

The flowering progress continues - here's the flower spike of my Domingoa purpurea, pictured on the 27th February 2016. — The flowering progress continues – here’s the flower spike of my Domingoa purpurea, pictured on the 27th February 2016.

My Domingoa purpurea flower spike as pictured on the 28th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

My Masdevallia decumana as pictured on the 28th February 2016. This miniature orchid currently has one large flower bud that you can clearly see in this photograph, and two smaller flower buds, which aren't so easy to spot. — My Masdevallia decumana as pictured on the 28th February 2016. This miniature orchid currently has one large flower bud that you can clearly see in this photograph, and two smaller flower buds, which aren’t so easy to spot.

Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ flowers

Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' is such a super miniature orchid for a terrarium, it enjoys high humidity. My two plants have thrived inside my BiOrbAir terrarium. — Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ is such a super miniature orchid for a terrarium, it enjoys high humidity. My two plants have thrived inside my BiOrbAir terrarium.

Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky', as pictured on the 28th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. This miniature orchid has been flowering constantly since the 28th January 2016, producing so many pretty, tiny flowers. Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' is a lovely miniature orchid to add to your collection, my plants are much admired by any visitors I receive. I purchased my plants from Burnham Nurseries in the UK. — Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’, as pictured on the 28th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. This miniature orchid has been flowering constantly since the 28th January 2016, producing so many pretty, tiny flowers. Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ is a lovely miniature orchid to add to your collection, my plants are much admired by any visitors I receive. I purchased my plants from Burnham Nurseries in the UK.

My Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' in full flower, as pictured on the 28th February 2016. — My Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ in full flower, as pictured on the 28th February 2016.

The Domingoa purpurea flower spike, as pictured on the 29th February 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

The Domingoa purpurea flower spike, as pictured on the 3rd March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Inside this Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, I have a Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' in flower in the foreground......... — Inside this Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, I have a Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ in flower in the foreground………

..............and a Masdevallia decumana in flower, in the background. Both miniature orchids are pictured on the 3rd March 2016. — …………..and a Masdevallia decumana in flower, in the background. Both miniature orchids are pictured on the 3rd March 2016.

Masdevallia decumana and Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky', in flower inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 3rd March 2016. — Masdevallia decumana and Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’, in flower inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 3rd March 2016.

This Masdevallia decumana has one flower which just opened this morning and two further flower buds developing.

Masdevallia decumana in flower inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 3rd March 2016.

In this photograph, taken on the 3rd March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid BiOrbAir Terrarium, you can see the new Masdevallia decumana flower, which opened this morning, and you might also be able to make out two Masdevallia decumana buds, still in the early stages of development.

My Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, as pictured on the 3rd March 2016. In this photograph you can see my Masdevallia decumana and Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' in full flower. — My Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, as pictured on the 3rd March 2016. In this photograph you can see my Masdevallia decumana and Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ in full flower.

Here’s my Domingoa purpurea flower spike, as pictured on the 4th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here’s my Domingoa purpurea flower spike, as pictured on the 7th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here's my Diplocaulobium abbreviatum as pictured on the 7th March 2016. This miniature orchid has produced some new leaves since it has been growing inside my BiOrbAir terrarium. This miniature orchid has not so far flowered inside my BiOrbAir terrarium. — Here’s my Diplocaulobium abbreviatum as pictured on the 7th March 2016. This miniature orchid has produced some new leaves since it has been growing inside my BiOrbAir terrarium. This miniature orchid has not so far flowered inside my BiOrbAir terrarium.

In this photograph you can see the Masdevallia decumana flower, currently open and in full bloom, and two further buds in early stages of production, just below the leaves.

Here's a British five pence coin next to the flower on my Masdevallia decumana to hopefully show you the size of the flowers more clearly. This miniature orchid produces very large, rather glamorous, showy flowers. — Here’s a British five pence coin next to the flower on my Masdevallia decumana to hopefully show you the size of the flowers more clearly. This miniature orchid produces very large, rather glamorous, showy flowers.

Here's my Aerangis fastuosa, as pictured on the 7th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — Here’s my Aerangis fastuosa, as pictured on the 7th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

My Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky', as pictured on the 7th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — My Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’, as pictured on the 7th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here’s my Domingoa purpurea flower spike, as pictured on the 14th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here’s my Domingoa purpurea flower spike, as pictured on the 18th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here's the second of three current flower buds opening on my Masdevallia decumana. This Masdevallia decumana plant has been flowering since the 26th January 2016. Pictured inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 18th March 2016. — Here’s the second of three current flower buds opening on my Masdevallia decumana. This Masdevallia decumana plant has been flowering since the 26th January 2016. Pictured inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium on the 18th March 2016.

Here's another view inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, in this photograph you can see the Masdevallia decumana with its three flowers at different stages of growth. At the bottom of the photograph you can see my Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' and Aerangis fastuosa, and at the top of the photograph, Domingoa purpurea. — Here’s another view inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, in this photograph you can see the Masdevallia decumana with its three flowers at different stages of growth. At the bottom of the photograph you can see my Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ and Aerangis fastuosa, and at the top of the photograph, Domingoa purpurea.

Angraecum equitans

Diplocaulobium abbreviatum

Aerangis fastuosa

25th March 2016

Domingoa purpurea

My Domingoa purpurea specimen will not flower for some time yet. When I included this miniature orchid in this trial, I thought it would be quite comical – I knew that this variety had lengthy flower stems, which I pictured doing laps of the terrarium! I thought the Domingoa purpurea plants would be a super example of ‘what not to include in your terrarium’. Yet, this Domingoa specimen has charmed me and touched my heart, with its fast growing, tenacious roots, that have possessively ingrained themselves into the cork bark they are mounted onto.

Here’s an update on the Domingoa and my other miniature orchids inside this terrarium:

Here’s the first, older, Domingoa purpurea flower spike, as pictured on the 25th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

This dull looking photograph, taken on the 25th March 2016, of the upper part of my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, just underneath the LED lights, shows the second, younger, flower spike produced by this Domingoa purpurea. This flower spike has just touched on the inner side of the BiOrbAir globe.

Here's my Diplocaulobium abbreviatum, as pictured on the 18th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid BiOrbAir Terrarium. This miniature orchid hasn't experienced any problems since it has been growing inside this terrarium. — Here’s my Diplocaulobium abbreviatum, as pictured on the 18th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid BiOrbAir Terrarium. This miniature orchid hasn’t experienced any problems since it has been growing inside this terrarium.

Here's my Aerangis fastuosa, as pictured on the 25th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — Here’s my Aerangis fastuosa, as pictured on the 25th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here's my Angraecum equitans, as pictured on the 25th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. This miniature orchid had only a tiny remnant of root when it arrived in the post back in August 2015, despite the root loss, this orchid has been growing well. — Here’s my Angraecum equitans, as pictured on the 25th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. This miniature orchid had only a tiny remnant of root when it arrived in the post back in August 2015, despite the root loss, this orchid has been growing well.

Here's my Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky' as pictured on the 25th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. This dear little orchid has produced so many flowers, over a very long period. It really is a delight to grow and has thrived inside this specialised terrarium. — Here’s my Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’ as pictured on the 25th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. This dear little orchid has produced so many flowers, over a very long period. It really is a delight to grow and has thrived inside this specialised terrarium.

Here's my Masdevallia decumana as pictured on the 25th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. — Here’s my Masdevallia decumana as pictured on the 25th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

Here's a close up of the newest Masdevallia decumana flower bud, which is resting on another of my miniature orchids, Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky'. This new Masdevallia flower bud will open tomorrow - 26th March 2016. — Here’s a close up of the newest Masdevallia decumana flower bud, which is resting on another of my miniature orchids, Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’. This new Masdevallia flower bud will open tomorrow – 26th March 2016.

Here's my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, as pictured on the 25th March 2016. Inside this terrarium, Lepanthopsis astrophora 'Stalky', Masdevallia decumana are in full flower, and Domingoa purpurea has two flower spikes, which have yet to bloom. — Here’s my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, as pictured on the 25th March 2016. Inside this terrarium, Lepanthopsis astrophora ‘Stalky’, Masdevallia decumana are in full flower, and Domingoa purpurea has two flower spikes, which have yet to bloom.

Masdevallia decumana, as pictured on the 27th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

This is the newest Masdevallia decumana flower to open. As pictured on the 27th March 2016, inside my Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.

2nd April 2016

I attended The RHS London Orchid Show in Westminster yesterday. You can see photographs from the show here. I purchased some new miniature orchids for my trial at the show! I can’t wait to add my new orchids to my terrariums, at the moment the orchids are being left to acclimatise and to be quarantined

To read the next instalment – the third part of my BiOrbAir review – Growing Miniature Orchids in the BiOrbAir (part three) where you can see the new miniature orchids that I added to this BiOrbAir terrarium, please click here.

Other articles that may interest you…………………

To see how my orchidarium was created, please click here.

To visit the BiOrbAir website, please click here.

To see the planting list for this Miniature Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, and find the details of the companies I purchased my orchids, moss and cork from, please click here.

To read the first part of my Miniature Orchid Trial – Growing Miniature Orchids in the BiOrbAir, please click here.

To see a list of miniature orchids that are suited to terrarium growing, please click here.

To see a longer planting list of wider range of suitable plants to grow inside terrariums and bottle gardens, please click here.

To read about the Queen Of Orchids, the largest variety of orchid in the world, which flowered for the first time at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in 2015, please click here.

To read about carnivorous plants, please click here.

To read about Daffodils, please click here.

To read about seasonal cut flowers, please click here.

For gardening advice for February – if you’re looking for ideas of lovely jobs you could do at your allotment or in your garden this month, please click here.

For ideas of lovely jobs you could do in your garden, or at your allotment from mid-February to mid-March, please click here.

For gardening advice and tips of lovely things you could do in your garden, or at your allotment from mid-March to mid-April, please click here.

To read about using decorative features in your terrarium or bottle garden, please click here.

To read about the special features of the BiOrbAir, please click here.

To read about growing delicious gourmet mushrooms indoors, please click here.

To read about growing Suttons ‘Bodacious’ Sweet Corn shoots indoors, please click here.

To read the first part of my long term review of the BiOrbAir, please click here.

To read the second part of my long term review of the BiOrbAir, please click here.

To read the third part of my long term review of the BiOrbAir, please click here.

To read about the 20 shortlisted plants, including the finalists and winner of The RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant Of The Year 2015, please click here.

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