Growing Phals (or other orchids) in a Saucer

[eorchids]

Do you do any horizontal or are they all hanging?

They are all hanging except my Neofinetia but it is in a japanese pot.

[Halloamey]

Holly Molly !! I am loving it, it looks soo beautiful and natural, I am definitely going to mount some of my Phals this way, they look very happy in this culture. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[cdayinflorida]

Eric...First thanks for bringing this to the forum. Second, it would be great if you could describe how you grow under your skylight. There are so many members from cold climates that grow inside their homes. I'm sure many would benefit as your plants are growing so lushly. I've noticed the gutter system you use and many might be able to incorporate it into their own inside grow areas.
Thank you!!

[eorchids]

Here are photos of my winter garden (room exposed to the west, Phals grown only with natural light) at the beginning, past years and now. You could see the skylight and the gutters setup. Comments are in french, I'm sorry. Do I need to traduce my website in english ?

Photo here

And a drawing of gutters :



Gouttière = gutter
Lame de Pin = a long and flat piece of pine wood
Eau = water
Billes = clay beads
Aquanappe = tissue (horticultural) that soak up with water

[cdayinflorida]

I was wondering about the humidity and how you kept it high. It is explained in the drawing. Viewed the photos and they are amazing!

[cdayinflorida]

After revisiting the photos. The fact that you have the entire area painted a crisp white I'm sure helps with bouncing light...but to keep it that pristine with the amount of plants you have in there is a testament to you and your fastidious approach to neatness!

[poetiscariot]

Your "winter garden" is just incredible. And it would be easy and cheap for someone to do something similar! Fascinating and useful photos -- and so many beautiful plants. Bravo!

[eorchids]

And it would be easy and cheap for someone to do something similar

Yes, 2 meters gutter "all inclusive" cost about 30$.
Thank you.

[Daethen]

Well, I gave it a try today. How did I do? I posted pics of this on a couple of other forums and it is catching on quick. Thank you so much for this idea.

[eorchids]

How did I do?

Very well, it seems almost perfect. Just a detail : May be more moss in the saucer, especially on the edges, and a little more packed.

I posted pics of this on a couple of other forums and it is catching on quick. Thank you so much for this idea.

You're welcome