The epiphytic growing miniature orchid species Gastrochilus minor Seidenf. 1988 has been described by the Danish botanist Dr. Gunnar Seidenfaden in Opera Botanica 95: 296 (1988), but the name Gastrochilus minor isn´t accepted by the Kew Monocot list. We identyfied this small orchid beauty, native to the North of Thailand, with the help of “A field guide to the wild orchids of Thailand”, an orchid book by Nantiya Vaddhanaphuti. Flowers of the Gastrochilus minor orchid get a size of about 0,8 cm and are best viewed through a magnifying glass or a macro lens. Flowering period: January. Gastrochilus minor orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival).

The miniature tropical orchid requires cool - warm temperatures, a location in moderate shade and a well-drained potting medium. Plants should be kept humid, but not wet, during growth season, whilst waterings should be restricted during the dormancy period in winter.

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Image: Gastrochilus minor Seidenf. 1988
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

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