Mini orchidarium

[clevetromba]

Here's a picture of my recently created "orchidarium". It's a 29 gal fish tank with a glass lid. I use a 15 watt 18" plant and aquarium fluorescent and a 50 watt incandescent.

The lights stay on 12 hours a day right now. I have a 2" computer fan pointed directly at the one 'chid I have, the fan runs all the time. I have a digital thermometer/hygrometer that records the highs and lows: the temps range from about 59 - 75 and the rh about 40-80%. I control the rh by sliding the glass lid open or closed. I'm starting to get the hang of it now, trying to keep the range closer to 60-70%.

As you can see, I have other plants in there for interest. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[smwboxer]

I change the incandecent out with a CFL. Less heat, more light and cheaper to run.

[ischel1]

Try putting a small tray full of water in there to inc. the rh.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Looks good Mark! Now you need more orchids!

Cheers,
BD

[Becky15349]

Hey Mark!! That is awesome,I always wanted to create an orchidarium. Just a note though...for the orchid, you'll need stronger light. Do the CFL like was noted above. Orchids may not want to be in full sun, but they do need strong light. Very nice!!

[clevetromba]

Becky,

I've replaced the incandescant with a 20 watt CFL. I now have 1800 foot candles at the top of the leaves. It looks noticably brighter.

Mark

[Becky15349]

Yay!!! I think orchidariums are the coolest. If I was living in a place that I knew I'd be in for a loooong time, I would make one...but since I'm just a renter, I kinda try to stay away from making things like this because they are hard to transport LOL...

I really like your prayer plant!!! Those are cool, I used to have one in college...I had it up close to the fluorescent lights in my doorm room and I would tell people that it "waves" to you everyday bc of the way the leaves move, lol...

[JoeW]

"As you can see, I have other plants in there for interest. Any thoughts or suggestions? "

I guess you need to consider the height your orchids will grow to. Mini-Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Mini-Phalaenopsis will like the light level. The fan and being able to control humidity will let you get more ambitious. Maybe Phragmipedium's? Check out the Growing Tips at
Orchids - River Valley Orchidworks - Care and Cultivation Guide