Ultrasonic fogger?

[Stacierew]

So I have a juicy plan to turn my bay window into a happy place for orchids. It is a western facing window, with a tree planted about 15 feet away, resulting in dappled light and a few hours of late afternoon sun. I live in Colorado, where it is very dry, and love the idea of using the ultrasonic fogger to create moisture, and that lovely fog. I was wondering if there was a downside to using these with orchids, and if there were specific orchids that might like these growing conditions. I'm a newbie, so any advice is appreciated!

[jai_star]

I have a portable humidifier an ionic one which produces a cold mist it bring the humidity up when my room gets dry for the orchids. I do have to leave it running for the the humiditiy to stay up that is the only thing. I'm not sure if the orchids feel any difference but i certainly can being in the same room a sense of moisture in the air

[TwoStems]

I have a small "personal" humidifier that takes regular 20oz sized bottles of water (I refill the same one with filtered water). My plants seem to like it a lot. It's not the prettiest thing, but it doesn't take up a ton of space and wasn't super expensive.

[Halloamey]

They are amazing, I have a few for my cool g4rowing orchids, that would otherwise simply die due to the very hot summers in India. Make sure that the source is atleast 2 to 3 feet away from the plant, this way water does not accumulate on the leaves causing them to be wet for a long time. The other downside I have read about, but never experienced since my orchids are in the greenhouse is that, if you do not use distilled water for the ultrasonic humidifier (which I don't) then dissolved salts create a very fine dust when the water is ultrasonicated which is supposedly bad for health in the long run (I do not believe it, we are already exposed to soo much pollution, so this should hardly matter) The second one though is practical, change the water quite often since stale water can be breeding grounds for bacteria and fungii which will also get dispersed in the fine mist.

[Stacierew]

Wonderful advice. Thank you! Do you leave yours running around the clock?

[opaline]

The main containment of water for which the fogger sits has its water level drop, think the fogger equipment packaging bragged 5cm water. Presumably the small 3" - 4" fogger gadget you have, exo terra zoomed. The disk has to be maintained regularly bearing in mind what organic media can easily become part of usable water, this and salts/lime build up all requires maintenance and depending on your tap supply regualr part replacement so ensure a supply or keep a few spares in. Continual use will mean more maintenance cost and also if 24hr use in a home setting attention must be paid to air circulation as the area can become saturated and further acclimitizing time required. Fungal/ bacterial infections can be a problem with this approach though and if night temperatures cool theres another obstacle to deal with. Great aesthhetic value though but most plants will rot unless hardened to such a moist enviro and attention to other environmental concerns. Mosses liverworts and bog/semi aquatic species will have little to moan about but all those crowns, bracts and leaf axils on orchids?????????quite a risk until you know for sure. i would experiment. If you have amphibian habitants in terrarium situ then these as a priority will benefit greatly but have had run ins with bromeliads aswell where the funnels,central vase collects water and sits and spoils as air circulation exposes its issues. Humidity and air circ can be a tug of war for some growers, damned if you do and damned if you dont. An analysis of your overal grow situ is best as a greenhouse/sunroom/conservatory offers a world to be exploited and troubleshoots with greater ease than say a section in aa ensuite bathroom.

Cooling temps at night and high humdity are a combination to avoid. Try it, itll look brilliant but for 24hr continuous usage I would spare yourself some of the likely hassels and errors until you are sure and exposed the many issues that can and will arise. Many tillandsia airplants dont last long in fogger situ but in a greenhouse filled to the 9 with enviro controls they probably flourish as more air circulates and temps never see below 16oc at anytime. Apart from many terrestrials, epiphytes in average cultivation dont need permanent wet feet constantly pressed against and restrained in moss wood or other media.Allowing time to dry between waterings is an effective care deliverance tool.

[mauraec]

You might consider investing in a hygrometer - a gizmo that usually measures air temperature as well as humidity. We keep our orchid area in the living room at between 60 and 70% and about 70-75F by day and 68-70F by night - unless we open the sliding doors and allow in the cooler night air - which we often do to get a greater temp. drop. Where I live, humidity often increases during the night, peaking toward the early morning hours when dawn is imminent - not a bad setup and we try to take advantage of it in the spring and fall especially. Otherwise, we run 3 ultrasonic humidifiers - higher output daytime, lower at night, and - and this is very crucial - about 5 small fans and one large one constantly. Air movement is as important as light and humidity!

[Stacierew]

Well, I'm quite convinced that too much humidity wouldnt be a problem, since this wont be in an enclosed tank...and I am in Colorado. Our current outdoor humidity is 18%! I figure I can crack the windows slightly, or turn on the ceiling fan for the sake of air circulation. I am glad that I posted this because it brought to my attention how ridiculously dry it is in my house! A hygrometer probably IS a good idea!

[opaline]

wow or whoa - only 18% humidity. Its a good thing in a way - sought of! The risk of bacterial/fungal pathogen nasties infecting weak spots will be reduced in occurence and a lesser threat. That does though give you quite a challenge and a half in providing applicable care requirements. Would give Bulbophyllums and stanhopeas a miss for a while.
Reaching a conclusion about your allocated space and atmosphere is certainly a primary objective helping you to reach a happy balance or as close as possible. It is sometimes difficult to suggest and advise as we all have differing issues to contend with and if similar other factors conflict. No simple equation exists but tackling probable issues that are highlighted by general standard orchid care after comparison will aid in your new journey. We may gamble at times but the hobbyist often becomes directed and dictated with choice/options by the enviro they live in/by. Compromise, improvise and adjust accordingly to suit you after all one needs to kick back and admire their achievements. Theres alot of variety diversity and a great deal of conflicting views, but, at first, it may appear overwhelming but you can extract what you feel is most appropriate and relevant. This will help to save money and time management.