Newbie Orchid Addict Bedroom Window Grow Area

[opaline]

Hi to all, im a recent orchid enthusiast which has escalated into a real pleasure over the last 1 - 2 years with the ideal opportunity of the perfect window setting. Have always loved them but until now have never had the ideal location to support them. Its time for making up lost time. Believe it or not i actually sleep in this room and dragon vivariums keep the room at a steady minimum of 18 - 20 oc peaking to 25 - 28 oc when sun shines from dawn till 3 pm ish. Im in central England UK so Mr/Mrs Sun is shy at best of times.

In the last month I acquired a gorgeous 6ft meandering walnut branch and took the plunge and mounted 40 odd of 55 varied orchid species. Pot culture did not suit the conditions. Lot of root rot issues. I spray twice daily to deter mite threats but this backfired on me with the bark in pots. Here is my epiphytic attempt at a slice of natural habitat. im rather proud of it but i know i have mistakes still to make. Have 9 assorted catasetums and stanhopeas on way and cant wait. Im matt and would love some advice and feedback.

[moliviabaxter]

Whoa! Can't believe you sleep in there
Amazing set up!

[Kmac]

Hi Matt, welcome. What a cool set-up you have!

[panam]

Goodness, Matt! I imagine you have interesting dreams, surrounded by such lush beauty!

[opaline]

hi! and thanks for your comments. its great to wake up and have a quick scan to observe new growths spikes roots shoots etc. Not every1s cup of t I know but ive waited too long to have a mini orchid paradise space and bam! its here. My waterdragons love it to and this is not a good thing as their claws shred leaves so i restrict them to a ficus tree. The birds outside freak them out to this acts as orchid protector!

[catttan]

Hello and welcome, Matt. Very nice and artistic setup.

[opaline]

this is one of the non orchid beauties however all are extra special. This is penelope the waterdragon and so long as she is on guard in here the ficus tree her 'claws' are not shredding my orchids to pieces!.

[Kmac]

ooooh, I love Penelope!!

[panam]

She's a beauty - but how do you keep her restricted to the ficus?

[opaline]

Hi kathi and panam. I appeal to their natural instincts of survival in the rainforests as with the orchids. The ficus tree is a good hiding place for vegetative cover due to its size and the camoflage. The orchid branch is by a large window and the goings on outside freak her out. Their reaction to alarm in jungle is to drop into water swim and run. The orchids' sigh with relief and avoid decapatation and my happiness is retained Phew!. Penelopes brother wally is more interactive and stays with me and sitting here now on the keyboard as I type.This reply took ages to write!lol. He couldnt give a kipper about plants etc.