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 At the moment, about 700 species of miniature orchids are known in the world, which belong to 180 genera. There are some genera in the orchid family that consist only of miniature plants. These include sofronitis. It includes five species and several varieties, all native to Brazil.
Plants of this genus have thickened short stems (pseudobulbs or tuberdia) with a height of one and a half to three centimeters with single oval leaves. These orchids are attractive for their large flowers, which are not inferior in size to the plants themselves. But of all sophronitis species, only Sophrontis cernua is suitable for growing in apartments.
Its growing rhizome, growing rapidly, turns into a dense curtain. The plant gives two growths per year, but blooms only once. This flower grows beautifully on the window.
Among the phalaenopsis there are also miniature species: Phlaenopsis equestris, Phlaenopsis parishi var., Phlaenopsis lueddemanniana and others. The most unpretentious can be called Phlaenopsis equestris, which grows in the Philippine Islands. This flower grows well on a block in a greenhouse with artificial lighting, but in order for the plant to bloom, it is advisable to transfer it to the window.
The flowers are small, about 2.5 centimeters in diameter, with a pink-purple lip. They bloom on a peduncle 15 - 20 centimeters long alternately.
Talking about orchids, it is very difficult to get around the ciprepedia group, in which the genus of shoes, which originate from Asia, enjoys special attention. Among the broad-petaled species, several miniature ones stand out: Paphiopedilum bellatulum, Paphiopedilum godefroyae, Paphiopedilum niveum, Paphiopedilum leucochilum. All of these flowers are successfully grown indoors.
It is also worth remembering one small orchid belonging to the genus Vanda and supposedly brought from Nepal. It is especially striking in its durability when grown in apartments. Outwardly, the plant is similar to ascocetrum. It has very narrow and dense leaves, completely covered with grooves.
A block with this orchid thrives on the south window and can bloom annually, covered with light yellow flowers. They self-pollinate well and give 1-2 fruits - capsules.
Some representatives of the genus gastrochilus from Southeast Asia also deserve the attention of not only flower growers, but also collectors. These are very small plants with a shortened stem and two-row lanceolate leaves. These flowers got their name because of the bag-shaped lip of the inflorescence.
The most common Gastrohilus obhquas has dark green leaves and is 15 centimeters long. Usually, an inflorescence is formed on the stem, not more than one centimeter long, which consists of fleshy yellow flowers with red specks. This type of orchid does not have a pronounced dormant period, grows well on a block under artificial lighting, is unpretentious and blooms regularly.
Miniature orchid species occupy a special place in the orchid family. This group includes plants whose leaves and stems are 12-15 centimeters long.
Miniature orchids are usually lithophytic or epiphytic plants, mainly found in equatorial and tropical forests. They settle on branches and trunks of trees, as well as on rocky deposits along river valleys.
In indoor culture, miniature orchids have undeniable advantages over large species, since a lot of space is not required to grow several tens or even hundreds of plants.
Many types of such plants do not have large bright flowers, but amateurs - flower growers are attracted and admired by the very diminutiveness of orchids, a delicate peduncle, completely covered with small bright flowers.
The technology for growing these miniature plants is no different from their larger relatives. They are grown in a special substrate for epiphytes in plastic containers or on blocks that imitate a tree trunk.
As a block, thick pieces of pine bark are usually used, preferably rectangular in shape. A wire hook is attached to the top of the unit for hanging. In the center, two holes are drilled into which the wire is threaded.
A substrate is placed on the block, prepared from a mixture of dead fern roots with a small addition of sand, leaf humus and small pieces of pine bark. The orchid is placed on a block and attracted by a wire loop to it. The roots of a miniature orchid are sprinkled on top with a loose substrate and tightly covered with a layer of sphagnum and tied with a nylon thread or wire.
Plants growing on blocks are transplanted much less frequently than potted plants, since the substrate here decomposes more slowly. An orchid can grow on a block for five to eight years, and needs to be replaced when destroyed or when it becomes small.
In containers, these plants do not look as picturesque as on blocks, but they retain moisture much longer. When grown indoors, where the air humidity is low enough, the blocks dry out quickly. This can threaten the death of the thin roots of small species. Evaporation can be reduced by covering the block with pieces of bark or covering it with foil. Orchids on blocks are very desirable to be periodically placed in well-lit greenhouses with high air humidity.
It should be noted that not all miniature species are suitable for growing in rooms. Plants that grow naturally in mountainous equatorial and tropical forests for good development, in addition to high air humidity, require a large difference in daily temperatures. However, most species adapt well to indoor growing conditions.
Miniature plants can be placed both on a window and in a greenhouse with artificial lighting. Orchids can be swapped from time to time. To increase the area for flowers, you can use the upper part of the window opening, where the pots and blocks are suspended with ordinary strings at different heights.
If the windows of the apartment face south, then they need to be shaded. In such conditions, the plants are watered about once every three to four days.
Sudakova M.G.
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