Orchid Encyclopedia

A miniature monopodial orchid ranging from the Himalaya to Indochina. Formerly placed in Ascocentrum, it packs small flowers onto stems shorter than the leaves. It is known as a parent of Ascocenda hybrids and is often still sold under the old genus name.

A tiny Cypripedium that spreads two rounded, heart-shaped leaves horizontally and hangs a flower only 1-2 cm across beneath them. Because the flower sits just above the ground, it is easy to miss without lifting the leaves.

A small orchid growing on the trunks and branches of evergreen trees. It has leathery leaves like those of an evergreen oak in two rows and in summer opens clusters of pale yellow flowers about 1 cm across; the pouched lip is marked red-purple inside.

A tiny Dendrobium with clusters of small flattened pseudobulbs. In early spring, one to five honey-scented yellow flowers appear beside each thick single leaf. It is usually sold mounted on cork.

A miniature Cattleya under 10 cm tall from the mountain forests of Brazil's Atlantic coast. It bears brilliant scarlet flowers 4-6 cm across, remarkably large for the plant. It was formerly known as Sophronitis coccinea.

A tiny orchid with vivid red flowers, important in Cattleya hybridization.