Miniature Orchids

The grower of orchids is a favored one. She belongs to a starry-eyed fraternity, to whom each small chore, accomplished in its turn for the better culture of his orchids, is a source of never-ending and absorbing delight.

The beauty of the orchid's line and color is known to all who bask in the offerings of the florist's window, but the breathless suspense and expectation that attend the unfolding of the mysterious growth of the orchid plant are known to the grower alone.

The appearance of each new growth and root is cause for rejoicing; the slimy mark of a snail or the cottony warning of the presence of scale is cause for distress. The habits and idiosyncrasies of every species and plant are subject to absorbed study.

Different methods of growing and the relative merits of hybrids and species are endlessly discussed among fellow growers. The orchid grower checks his mundane worries at the door of the greenhouse and enters a world that offers surcease even to the heart heavily burdened with sorrow and loss.

Now, the miniature orchid is something special also. Generally, miniature orchids are less than 6 inches in height and are mostly white. There are simply so many types of miniature orchid types that it would be hard to list them all.

One such orchid is the candida (can-dee'da). The candida’s habitat is Guatemala. The is orchid blooms from December to March. A miniature plant of dainty beauty; flowers with pale green sepals; white petals flushed rose; white lip spotted rose. A lovely miniature orchid.

Another wonderful miniature orchid is the equitant oncidiums. Now, the genus oncidiums is a very old one. It ranges from hot coastal regions to the cold of 12,000 feet elevation. It is native to Mexico, Central and tropical South America, and the West Indies. It has short, thick pseudobulbs and slender, graceful leaves.

Though the flowers are small compared to the Cattleya, they are a spray-type of considerable grace and charm. The blooms are flat, of silky texture, resembling a dancing girl with wide-spread skirts and tiny waist.

The clear bright yellow attained by some of the species is unsurpassed. An intermediate or cool house will serve.

Miniature orchids are a wonderful orchid.

Click here to return to orchid articles and resource page

Return to top