I have a small terrarium, lit by artificial light. Is there an easy orchid that would not grow more than 1 foot tall? If so, does anyone know where it can be obtained in the Vancouver area?
I've seen a lot of miniature Phalaenopsis in the stores around here; they seem to stay within the size you want, though I don't know Vancouver well enough to suggest a source. (I've seen them here in home-improvement stores like Lowe's, in our local grocery store chain, and in one of the independent garden centers here.) Also the jewel orchids (Ludisia, Goodyera, Macodes), though grown more for foliage than for blooms, would probably also technically work, even if they're not what most people think of as orchids. I've only ever seen them in garden centers.
My largest Ludisia is over a foot tall, and equals this height with its flower stalks. However, being a terrestrial orchid, and one that prefers low light, it could be used in a terrarium. Mine started out small and took several years to achieve its current majesty, so you'd probably be OK height-wise for some time. Here's some info on the subject: http://www.cloudsorchids.com/culture/terrer.htm
I suggest a call to Alex at T.K.Y. Nursery(*) in Richmond. He grows orchids and may have some suggestions for you. * While looking up information for this post I noticed the name of the establishment at that location is now Colourful Seasons Nursery & Landscape. Since the phone number, 604-821-0131, is the same I assume it's a change in name only and not in ownership.
Pleurothallus and Masdevallia are also fairly easy-care, small, terrestrial orchids that will do well in the situations you describe. They may have to be acquired by mail-order, though; they're South American (primarily Ecuadorian) genera and I'm not sure how available they are in Canada. The fellow Junglekeeper suggests should know.
The book Miniature Orchids, by Steven A. Frowine, caught my eye at the local library. Various orchids are categorized by characteristics. It appears to be quite informative. Apparently there are a number of books with this title at Amazon.
