Welcome to the world of orchid terrariums, where you can cultivate and admire some of the most stunning and exotic orchids in a self-contained environment. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a novice plant enthusiast, an orchid terrarium can be a rewarding and visually captivating addition to your indoor space. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best and most beautiful orchids to grow in a terrarium, providing you with valuable tips and insights along the way.
Orchids are widely regarded as one of the most fascinating and diverse plant families, boasting over 30,000 different species and hybrids. Their intricate and delicate flowers come in a range of colours, shapes, and sizes, making them a popular choice for indoor and outdoor cultivation. However, growing orchids in a terrarium can be a particularly rewarding experience, as it allows you to control the humidity, temperature, and light conditions to create an optimal growing environment for your plants. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the most popular and stunning orchids to grow in a terrarium, from the exotic and rare to the more commonly found varieties. We’ll also provide you with practical advice on how to care for your orchids, including tips on watering, fertilising, and pest control. So, whether you’re looking to create a beautiful centrepiece for your home or a unique gift for a loved one, an orchid terrarium is the perfect way to showcase the beauty and elegance of these remarkable plants.
Best varieties to grow in Terrarium
Masdevallia orchids: in a terrarium can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for any plant enthusiast. These beautiful and unique plants are native to the cool, misty forests of South America and thrive in the humid environment provided by a terrarium.
To begin growing Masdevallia in a terrarium, it is important to select a container that is the right size and shape for the plant. A terrarium that is too small can lead to overcrowding and poor air circulation, while a terrarium that is too large may not provide the necessary humidity and moisture for the plant to thrive.
Once you have selected your terrarium, it is important to choose the right growing medium for your Masdevallia. These plants require a well-draining mix of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite to ensure adequate moisture retention without waterlogging the roots.
Lighting is also crucial when growing Masdevallia in a terrarium. These plants require bright, indirect light to thrive, but direct sunlight can burn their delicate foliage. Placing your terrarium near a bright window or providing supplemental lighting with LED grow lights can help to ensure that your Masdevallia receives the proper amount of light.
Finally, it is important to maintain proper humidity levels in your terrarium to keep your Masdevallia healthy and thriving. Regular misting or the use of a humidifier can help to ensure that the humidity in your terrarium remains at the optimal level for your Masdevallia.
With the right care and attention, growing Masdevallia in a terrarium can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. These unique and beautiful plants are sure to bring joy and beauty to any space they inhabit.
Dracula orchid :in a terrarium can be a thrilling experience for orchid enthusiasts. These unique and fascinating plants are named after their bizarre and otherworldly appearance, which is said to resemble a vampire’s face. They are native to the high-altitude forests of South America and require cool temperatures, high humidity, and diffused light to thrive.
When growing the Dracula orchid in a terrarium, it is important to provide the right growing conditions. The terrarium should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s mature size and should have a drainage layer at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. A well-draining growing medium consisting of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite is recommended.
Dracula orchids prefer cool temperatures, ranging from 60 to 70°F during the day and 50 to 60°F at night. They also require high humidity levels, which can be achieved by regularly misting the plant or by using a humidifier in the terrarium.
In terms of lighting, Dracula orchids require low to medium levels of light, as direct sunlight can damage their delicate foliage. A shaded windowsill or the use of artificial grow lights can provide the appropriate amount of light for these plants.
As with all orchids, it is important to avoid overwatering the Dracula orchid. Watering should only occur when the growing medium is completely dry, and care should be taken not to wet the foliage.
With proper care and attention, the Dracula orchid can thrive in a terrarium, providing a unique and captivating addition to any collection of plants.
Lepanthes orchid :in a terrarium is a rewarding and exciting experience for orchid enthusiasts. These unique and delicate plants are native to the cloud forests of Central and South America and require high humidity and diffused light to thrive in a terrarium, it is important to select the right size and shape of container. The terrarium should be tall and narrow to mimic the plant’s natural habitat, with a lid or cover to maintain high humidity levels. The growing medium should consist of a mixture of sphagnum moss, perlite, and fine bark, which provides excellent drainage and moisture retention.
Lepanthes orchids require high humidity levels, which can be achieved by regularly misting the plant or by using a humidifier in the terrarium. It is important to avoid direct sunlight, as this can damage the plant’s delicate foliage. Instead, the orchid should be placed in a shaded area or under the soft glow of artificial grow lights.
When it comes to watering, Lepanthes orchids are sensitive to overwatering and require a well-draining growing medium. Watering should only occur when the medium is almost dry, and care should be taken not to wet the leaves.
With the proper care and attention, the Lepanthes orchid can thrive in a terrarium, providing a unique and captivating addition to any collection of plants. The plant’s small size and delicate flowers make it an ideal choice for terrariums, where it can be appreciated up close and in detail.
Platystele orchid :in a terrarium can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for orchid enthusiasts. These small, delicate plants are native to the humid forests of Central and South America and require high humidity, diffused light, and a well-draining growing medium to thrive.
When growing the Platystele orchid in a terrarium, it is important to select the right container size and shape. The terrarium should be tall and narrow to mimic the plant’s natural habitat, with a lid or cover to maintain high humidity levels. A well-draining growing medium consisting of fine bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite is recommended.
Platystele orchids require high humidity levels, which can be achieved by regularly misting the plant or by using a humidifier in the terrarium. They prefer diffused light, which can be provided by placing the terrarium in a shaded area or under the soft glow of artificial grow lights.
Watering is also important when growing Platystele orchids in a terrarium. These plants require a well-draining growing medium and should be watered only when the medium is almost dry. It is important not to wet the leaves or flowers, as this can lead to fungal infections.
With the right care and attention, the Platystele orchid can thrive in a terrarium, providing a unique and captivating addition to any collection of plants. The plant’s small size and delicate flowers make it an ideal choice for terrariums, where it can be appreciated up close and in detail.
Tolumnia orchids in a terrarium can be a beautiful and rewarding experience for orchid enthusiasts. These charming and delicate plants are native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America and require high humidity, good air circulation, and bright, indirect light to thrive.
When growing Tolumnia orchids in a terrarium, it is important to select a container that provides good air circulation and adequate drainage. A tall and narrow terrarium with a lid or cover can help maintain high humidity levels, and a well-draining growing medium made up of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite can ensure proper drainage.
Tolumnia orchids require high humidity levels, which can be achieved by regularly misting the plant or by using a humidifier in the terrarium. They prefer bright, indirect light, which can be provided by placing the terrarium near a south-facing window or by using artificial grow lights.
Watering is also important when growing Tolumnia orchids in a terrarium. These plants require a well-draining growing medium and should be watered only when the medium is almost dry. It is important not to wet the leaves or flowers, as this can lead to fungal infections.
With the right care and attention, Tolumnia orchids can thrive in a terrarium, providing a stunning and captivating addition to any collection of plants. The plant’s small size and colourful flowers make it an ideal choice for terrariums, where it can be appreciated up close and in detail.
FAQ
Which orchids are best in a terrarium?
The best orchids for a terrarium are those that prefer high humidity and lower light levels, such as jewel orchids, mini Phalaenopsis, and mini Oncidiums.
Can orchids be kept in a terrarium?
Yes, orchids can be kept in a terrarium as long as the conditions inside the terrarium meet their specific needs.
What do I need to make an orchid terrarium?
To make an orchid terrarium, you will need a clear glass container, orchid potting mix, orchid fertilizer, sphagnum moss, a humidifier or mister, and a light source.
Can Phalaenopsis orchids grow in a terrarium?
Phalaenopsis orchids can grow in a terrarium, but they may require additional ventilation to prevent excessive moisture buildup.