Welcome to the sixth part of my White Orchid BiOrbAir Terrarium Trial.
I decided to plant up this White Orchid BiOrbAir Terrarium in April 2017, after receiving many requests from readers asking about white flowered, miniature, epiphytic orchids to grow in terrariums. I didn’t have a spare terrarium available to plant at the time, so I decided to empty, and then re-plant my long-term review BiOrbAir terrarium with a variety of species of white-flowering orchids, to showcase how beautiful a single colour planting scheme for terrariums, vivariums, orchidariums, or bottle gardens, can be.
The BiOrbAir is a specialised, automated, terrarium, which was designed by Barry Reynolds, and is available from BiOrb.
White Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium Planting List
- Aerangis biloba
- Aerangis mystacidii
- Amesiella monticola
- Angraecum distichum
- Brachypeza semiteretifolia
- Holcoglossum flavescens
- Humata repens
- Masdevallia tovarensis
- Neofinetia falcata
- Phalaenopsis micholitzii
- Podangis dactyloceras
Since I set up this terrarium in April 2017, I have made a couple of new introductions to this terrarium: on the 28th May 2017, I added a young Aerangis mystacidii specimen, which had been previously growing inside a flask, and at the same time I added an attractive fern, Humata repens, which had previously been growing inside another of my terrariums.
You can see the full planting list for this terrarium here, where you’ll find more details about all of the orchids that I have trialled inside this White Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium, together with the details of all of the nurseries and suppliers where I purchased my orchids, mosses, and cork.
For more information on how to mount epiphytic orchids onto cork bark, please click here.
White flowered miniature epiphytic orchids
One fern and a covering of moss accompany the miniature orchids that are growing inside this White Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium.
Aerangis biloba
I have been utterly charmed by this Aerangis biloba specimen. The plant’s tenacious growth habit and determination to succeed has enabled this miniature orchid to envelop the large piece of cork bark that the plant has been mounted on. I cannot help but marvel and admire the plant’s energy, as this orchid specimen’s roots pursue moisture, nutrients, and a stronger grip on this substantial piece of cork bark.
Aerangis mystacidii
This update finds these two Aerangis mystacidii specimens in a similar condition as they were during my last report. Both of these miniature orchids are young plants, which were de-flasked in June 2017. As you can see, one plant has a rather sorry looking leaf, which is discolouring and dying back from the tip. Whereas the other plant currently features leaves that display a healthier shade of leaf green and seems to be in fine fettle.
Amesiella monticola
I am such a fan of Amesiella! I am absolutely thrilled that my Amesiella philippinensis specimen, that’s growing inside my Miniature Orchid Trial Terrarium is producing a flower bud! But back to this White Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium – It may look at first glance as if this Amesiella monticola specimen, that you can see in the photographs above and below, is also producing the first sign of a flower spike. Alas we will need to wait longer for this miniature orchid to produce a bloom, as this funny looking appendage is the remnants of a leaf that was eaten cleanly through by a tiny snail, together with the very first beginnings of a new leaf that is growing in its place! This wonderful orchid is now in the process of producing a leaf to replace the lovely, large sized leaf that was entirely removed by a snail, which is just so marvellous to see!
Angraecum distichum
I was sorry to see that this Angraecum distichum specimen is losing a leaf. This miniature orchid is just so very special, it’s just an utterly endearing and somewhat mesmerising plant! I like the plant’s somewhat lax habit, but it’s this orchid species’ leaves that I really admire. I find them particularly absorbing; this really is a charismatic orchid!
You can find out more about Angraecum distichum in this article I wrote about this orchid, where you can also see photographs of Angraecum distichum in flower.
Brachypeza semiteretifolia
The beautiful Brachypeza semiteretifolia flower, which you can see in my photographs above and below, fell from the plant on the 26th September 2017, just nine days after the flower opened. Thankfully I took these photographs that you can see here in this update on the 24th September 2017.
I fell head over heals in love with Brachypeza semiteretifolia‘s inflorescence! The beautiful, crystalline white, sparkling flowers with their delightfully powerful, delicious fragrance, which is reminiscent of a delectable and intoxicating combination of jasmine, coconut, old fashioned pinks, sweet peas, and hyacinth. This miniature orchid truly has a powerful fragrance, which is released as a strong perfume during the daytime, while a more subtle version of the same scent is released at night.
I have two Brachypeza semiteretifolia specimens growing inside this terrarium. The plant that you see pictured above is the specimen that has recently flowered inside this terrarium, while the plant below is yet to bloom. I am so lucky to have two plants, as this endearing miniature orchid produces blooms that release a sweet and intoxicating fragrance.
Holcoglossum flavescens
I really appreciate the stance and poise that Holcoglossum flavescens holds, this miniature orchid’s narrow leaves have a sense of movement about them, and a different texture that I find rather pleasing, especially when viewing this terrarium as a whole.
Humata repens
Humata repens is an elegant fern that grows to the perfect height for most terrariums and bottle gardens. This really is an attractive fern. I am thrilled to have been able to include Humata repens inside this White Orchid Trial Terrarium.
Masdevallia tovarensis
This Masdevallia tovarensis specimen doesn’t appear to be as happy or settled as I would like. I feel that perhaps I have placed this miniature orchid in too deep a position inside the BiOrbAir, so I am considering re-positioning the plant so as to provide it with increased airflow around the plant’s roots. Hopefully I will re-adjust this Masdevallia tovarensis specimen to its advantage!
Neofinetia falcata
This Neofinetia falcata specimen brings me so much joy! This plant really is a delight to behold, it has a certain charm that’s hard to pinpoint, as it’s the species as a whole that warms and touches my heart. There’s something special about this miniature orchid that encapsulates a sense of well being just by being close to it.
Phalaenopsis micholitzii
I just adore the shine and gloss that the leaves of this Phalaenopsis micholitzii specimen bring to my White Orchid Trial Terrarium. I have not cleaned this particular orchid’s leaves for some months now, yet despite this the leaves remain looking polished and preened.
Podangis dactyloceras
This Podangis dactyloceras specimen was given to me by a friend, the orchid was such a kind gift, which I so appreciate, so I dearly want this special miniature orchid to succeed in my White Orchid Trial BiOrbAir Terrarium. Fingers crossed for this specimen and for the other plants that I am trialling inside my wonderful BiOrbAir Terrarium.
To head straight to the next instalment of this BiOrbAir terrarium review and White Orchid Trial update and see how these orchids continue to grow, develop, and flower, please click here.
Other articles that may interest you…………
To read the first part of my White Orchid BiOrbAir Terrarium Trial, please click here.
To read the first part of my Madagascar BiOrbAir Terrarium Trial, please click here.
To read the first part of my Miniature Orchid BiOrbAir Terrarium Trial, please click here.
To read about the general care I give to my orchids and terrarium plants, and the general maintenance I give to my BiOrbAir terrariums, please click here.
To read about the great new features of the 2017 BiOrbAir terrarium, please click here.
For information on how to mount epiphytic orchids onto cork bark, please click here.
To read a Planting List of a wide range and variety of beautiful plants which are suitable for growing in terrariums, vivariums, bottle gardens, and indoor gardens, please click here.
To see a Planting List of beautiful, miniature orchids, suitable for growing in terrariums, vivariums, bottle gardens, and indoor gardens, please click here.
To read about the Writhlington Orchid Project, please click here.
To read about the Queen of Orchids, the largest known orchid species, and this plant’s flowering at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in September 2015, please click here.
