Aerangis fuscata is a miniature sized epiphytic orchid species, which is endemic to Madagascar, where this orchid grows on the twiggy, moss and lichen coated branches of large shrubs and small trees, in rainforest and forested areas. Aerangis fuscata can be found growing in both lowland and upland areas.
Aerangis fuscata is a very attractive orchid species, this orchid produces glossy green leaves, which have a rather handsome reddish brown outline.
Restrepia seketii is a miniature orchid species that originates from the cloud forests in North Colombia. A cool growing, epiphytic orchid species, Restrepia seketii is smaller than the other Restrepia species that are featured in my Miniature Orchid Trials.
To see photographs of Restrepia seketii in bloom, and discover how long this miniature orchid typically flowers for, please click here.
Tillandsia usneoides is an air plant, which is also known by its common name of Spanish moss. Tillandsia usneoides belongs to the Bromeliaceae family. Tillandsia usneoides can be found growing in a wide range of sub tropical and tropical habitats, it is often seen growing in a the branches of trees, though it can also be seen growing over telegraph poles and other structures!
The word Stelis is taken from the Greek for a small pillar. Stelis muscifera is a miniature epiphytic orchid species that originates from Ecuador and Venezuela, where plants of this species can be found growing at between 800m – 1600m above sea level. Stelis muscifera flowers in spring and summer. During its flowering period, each flower spike is clothed in rows of numerous, tiny mauve coloured flowers – Stelis muscifera is such a pretty orchid species!
Selaginella martensii ‘Jori’ is also known by its common name of Martens Club Moss.
Selaginella martensii ‘Jori’ requires a humid environment and needs to grow in a sunny or partially shaded area to flourish. Selaginella martensii ‘Jori’ grows up to 20cm (8inches) in height.
I planted this Selaginella martensii ‘Jori’ specimen inside my BiOrbAir terrarium. You can discover how well this Selaginella martensii ‘Jori’ specimen is growing in my long-term review of the BiOrbAir.
Selaginella kraussiana requires a humid environment in partially shaded conditions to grow well. This pretty plant adds both interest and texture to a terrarium.
This Selaginella kraussiana specimen was growing inside my BiOrbAir terrarium. To see more photographs and details of how this Selaginella grew in my BiOrbAir, see my long-term review of the BiOrbAir. This link takes you straight to the update which was written at the time when this Selaginella kraussiana specimen was first planted inside this terrarium.
Schoenorchis fragrans is a miniature epiphytic orchid species that can be found growing in India, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China, where this orchid grows upon trees, in moist forests. Schoenorchis fragrans has thick, leathery leaves that have an attractive purple underside, this miniature orchid produces clusters of tightly packed, faintly scented, pink crystalline flowers during the summer time.
I purchased my first Schoenorchis fragrans in October 2016, but the plant arrived with a number of problems – notably an infestation of various pests.
Restrepia trichoglossa is a species of miniature orchid which originates from cloud forests in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. Naturally forming a tufted shape, this little Restrepia produces flowers in succession, throughout the year.
I find Restrepias to be tolerant of different temperatures, and light conditions, favouring cooler indoor temperatures of around 16 C – 20 C, and bright, indirect, filtered light.
Restrepia sanguinea is a miniature sized, cool growing, epiphytic orchid species, which originates from the cloud forests of Colombia.
This is one of the tallest miniature orchids that I have grown inside my BiOrbAir terrarium. Although this Restrepia species is always sold as a miniature orchid, this Restrepia species is too tall for most traditional bottle gardens – but these plants can be grown quite happily inside a tall clear vase.
Restrepia purpurea ‘Rayas Vino Tinto’ is a miniature sized, cool growing, epiphytic orchid species, that can be found growing in Ecuador and Peru. I do wonder if this miniature orchid should be known simply as Restrepia purpurea, as I see no distinguishable differences between this plant and Restrepia purpurea ‘Rayas Vino Tinto’.
Restrepia purpurea ‘Rayas Vino Tinto’ is a very floriferous miniature orchid species, my plants are nearly always in flower.
Restrepia antennifera is a miniature, epiphytic orchid species, that can be found growing in cloud forests in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Restrepia antennifera is an orchid species that naturally forms a tufted shape, it’s small in size and won’t take up much room inside your terrarium or orchidarium.
This Restrepia antennifera specimen is growing inside my BiOrbAir terrarium, you can see how well this miniature orchid is growing in my Long-term review of the BiOrbAir (part six).
Pteris ensiformis ‘Evergemiensis’ is a variegated fern that is also known by its common name of Silver Lace Fern. Pteris ensiformis ‘Evergemiensis’ requires bright, filtered light, (but take care to avoid harsh, direct light, which will damage this fern’s fronds) and high humidity to flourish. This fern can grow happily in a sunny bathroom, or another area of your home that receives bright, indirect light.
Polystichum tsussimense is a pretty little fern. If you have a steamy, frequently used bathroom with room for a new plant, Polystichum tsussimense will grow happily here. Although, for best results I’ve found Polystichum tsussimense is more successfully grown as a bottle garden, terrarium, or vivarium plant. This is an incredibly versatile fern – you don’t have to grow it indoors – Polystichum tsussimense also flourishes outside in the garden.
Phalaenopsis parishii is a miniature, epiphytic orchid species, which originates from the Eastern Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand. Phalaenopsis parishii grows at up to 500m above sea level, where this quite charming little orchid can be found growing upon moss laden trees, on branches that cascade over streams and rivers, or upon trees, growing in areas near water.
In its native environment, Phalaenopsis parishii plants would naturally experience a drier season in winter.
Ornithophora radicans is a miniature, epiphytic orchid species, which originates from Brazil in South America. Ornithophora radicans has a grassy habit and appearance, this orchid produces sprays of miniature white, brown, and yellow coloured flowers for a few weeks every year, in autumn.
I’ve grown Ornithophora radicans in intermediate and warm temperatures. This orchid should be protected from too low a temperature.
Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Fluffy Ruffles’, is also known by its common name of Sword fern. This fern produces delicate, intricately shaped fronds in a lovely fresh-green colour.
This Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ specimen is growing inside my BiOrbAir terrarium. You can see more photographs, and discover out how this Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ specimen is growing in my long-term review of the BiOrbAir.
The common name of plants from the Fittonia albivenis Argyroneura Group is the nerve plant, this name refers to the Fittonia’s leaves with their distinctive veining. Fittonias thrive when they’re grown in a terrarium, as these plants require low to medium light levels and high humidity to flourish. When you’re looking to place your plants, avoid bright and sunny window sills, or locations where your plants will receive direct sunlight.
Coelogyne cristata is a cool growing, epiphytic orchid; this species originates from the Himalayas, Assam, Bhutan, Java, Sikkim, and Nepal.
One of the common names of Coelogyne cristata is the Crested Coelogyne. Coelogyne cristata will quickly grow to be far too big to grow in a terrarium, but this orchid does grow well in the conditions provided by terrarium growing. Coelogyne cristata would thrive if grown inside a glasshouse or conservatory.
The common name of Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’ is the Spider Plant. This is an easy to grow, tender plant that grows exceptionally well as a house plant.
Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’ can be grown in a hanging basket, where the plant will make a lovely feature. Over time, the small white flowers and the baby Spider Plants that develop on the pendent stems of Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’ will cascade over the side of your hanging container very prettily.
Ceratostylis philippinensis is a miniature orchid species, which as its name suggests, originates from the Philippines. Ceratostylis philippinensis produces many very fragrant, sweetly scented, white flowers that are about 1cm (0.4 inch) in size.
If you’re thinking of growing this miniature orchid, ensure that you can offer your plant growing conditions that remain constantly and reliably above a minimum temperature of 12 C (53F).
