A terrarium is ideal for offering your orchids ideal living conditions. The warm, humid rainforest climate can be perfectly simulated here. Of course, not every type of orchid is suitable for life in a display case. We looked around at competent breeders and put together a list of recommendations for you.
Which orchids are suitable for the terrarium?
Orchid species such as Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Dendrobium phalaenopsis, Epidendrum and Oncidium are well suited to a terrarium as they prefer warm temperatures. Small species such as Ionopsis utricularioides, Amesiella minor, Aerangis biloba and Barbosella cucullata are ideal for small terrariums. The terrestrial orchid Macodes sanderiana is recommended for the soil.
Warmhouse orchids love life in the terrarium - a selection of varieties
They are primarily warm house orchids that achieve their optimum in the regulated climate of a terrarium. Specifically, this applies to all exotic species and varieties that require a temperature level of at least 18-20 degrees Celsius.
- Phalaenopsis – also known as butterfly orchid, moth orchid or Malayan flower
- Vanda – the ideal orchid for tying to a branch
- Dendrobium phalaenopsis – also known as grape orchid
- Epidendrum – the warmth-loving orchid from the rainforests of South America
- Oncidium – also known as bird's head orchid or callus orchid
In addition to the classic orchids for the windowsill, rare exotics transform the terrarium into an eye-catcher. These include treasures such as Cirrhopetalum bicolor, the innovative new breed from Asia, or Doritaenopsis, which blooms all year round. With its unique, exotic charm, the scented orchid Aerangis stands out in the showcase with its pure white flowers.
Orchids for the small terrarium
Where space only allows for a small terrarium, small orchid species are happy to help. Apart from the Phalaenopsis, which are specifically bred as mini orchids, the following species remain naturally small in stature:
- Ionopsis utricularioides – a rarity from the forests of Paraguay and Brazil
- Amesiella minor – the little pretty one with flowers up to 2 cm in size
- Aerangis biloba – the small orchid from Madagascar and Africa
- Barbosella cucullata – the tiny orchid gem that likes to perch on a branch
This terrestrial orchid colonizes the soil in the terrarium
In order to plant the soil in the large terrarium in a natural way, we have discovered the breathtaking Macodes sanderiana for you, which thrives exclusively terrestrially. The jewel orchid impresses with beautiful decorative leaves that add decorative accents even outside of the flowering period.
Tip
The ideal floor covering for a terrarium with orchids is expanded clay (€14.00 at Amazon). The inorganic material not only enriches the perfect orchid substrate as a valuable component. Scattered on the floor of the display case, the beads absorb excess moisture and release it again when the air is too dry.
