Question
My house is kept at 50 deg all winter except for evenings
at 63 deg.  Summers have temps from 70-95 (sometimes 100).

I have a terrarium sitting under 2 incandescent lights and
Sinningias, AViolets, and tetranemums bloom freely.

Can you please suggest what miniature orchids might work in these conditions?
Thanks.
Rose


Answer
Rose, that is indeed a challenge.  Most small orchids that do well at cool temperatures don't do well at very warm to hot temperatures. You could test a variety of small orchids to see which do the best.  Masdevallia orchids are small and often brightly colored.  Paphiopedilum orchids also might work, as well as Jewel Orchids.  You will need to keep the humidity up.  The biggest challenge will be temperatures over 85 degrees.  These orchids have a rated temperature range of 58 to 75 plus degrees and are considered Intermediate.  You would need to locate a good source for these plants.  Try googling The Orchid Mall and then "vendors" to find orchid vendors that have these in stock.  Another option is to E-mail Oak Hill Gardens at [email protected].  They are located in the Chicago area and ship.  If you describe your growwing conditiond they might provide their own recommendations and are a good source for the plants.