Phototron 9 Indoor Greenhouse

[Alplily NH]

Anyone out there familiar with this? Someone nearby is selling one for a very reasonable price. I thought it might make a good habitat for my smaller/miniature/mounted orchids, which I have trouble keeping at the right moisture/humidity levels in my home. Thanks!

Phototron 9, 21" x 51" Size, 36000 Lumens

[Alplily NH]

More info on the unit, just in case (it usually sells for $600, I can get it for $100, maybe less?). It think it is an automated hydroponic setup -- the web site is very unclear (perhaps they should hire me for their communications?):

Phototron 9 - 6-24 Biax Lamps and 6-55 Biax Lamps, 36,000 Lumens are produced by the W-IX with fluorescent power supplies and lamps in the top section as well as in the base assembly.
Includes the following:
* Six 55 watt biax bulbs and Six 24 watt biax bulbs
* Soil Medium: Two Bags of Sphagnum Moss
* Plant Nutrient: Two Bottles (CV-65 Feed and CIV-75 Base Formula)
* Complete Step-by-Step Instruction Package
* 25 watt Germination bulb.
* Reflective Hood Shield
This unit allows for 30% more growing space then the standard size Phototron.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

It looks cool, but the Sphagnum Moss is a bit troubling. I wonder if the moss could be replaced with hydro-pellets? That would be cool.

Also, when something is such a great deal, I always wonder - why? Let us know how it goes, Julie. Good luck!

Cheers,
BD

[Alplily NH]

Thanks, BD! I would not plant directly into the moss... hydro-pellets are a great idea. I would likely suspend smaller orchids all around the inside. I have not seen it... it is used. An older lady got it as a gift and is just not into it. She is happy to let me come take a look, says it is in fine working condition...

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thanks, BD! I would not plant directly into the moss... hydro-pellets are a great idea. I would likely suspend smaller orchids all around the inside. I have not seen it... it is used. An older lady got it as a gift and is just not into it. She is happy to let me come take a look, says it is in fine working condition...

Oh, that makes a difference. I thought the web site was selling it at 500+ off the normal price. I am always leery of things like that. I think it will be great to hang smaller, light and humidity loving orchid inside of it. How cool!

Cheers,
BD

[navyderek]

That looks really nice Julie, especially to hang miniatures in---the world of Peruvian (and other Andes Rainforest) orchids that would be open to you!

Let us know if you get it......

[Alplily NH]

Update... I just picked up the greenhouse. It is actually a smaller model than was advertised... 39" tall. It needs a good cleaning and some customization. I hope to add a natural tree branch to the middle, with sphagnum/spanish moss wired to it, and suspend the little orchids on that (both little pots and mounts). I will post photos when I have it set up. [And, an aside, it turns out that MANY people use these units to grow cannabis! "no, officer, really, I'm growing ORCHIDS!"] Also, I need to check the light levels... ideas?

[cherublace]

i have one. it works great. bulbs and supplies are more readily available nowadays. never thought about my orchids in it though. you just gave me an idea.....