Orchidarium

[orchidbaby]

Anyone have experience with orchidariums purchased.... Or know of anyone's experience with them I am considering purchasing one, mainly to obtain a few warm growers to add to my collection ... I've already seen prices, not concerned about that aspect...
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[pavel]

Can't say I've ever purchased one as such. Just used large aquariums. I'll be very interested to see what you go with.

Are you looking at complete units? (Ones that have lighting and a misting/watering system already installed?)

What size are you considering? Do keep in mind that they fill up quickly -- far quicker than most people expect. When it is sitting there empty, it can look enormous/spacious. As you add a plant here and a plant there -- not to mention as the plants grow -- that once "spacious" area can become cramped before you know it.

Also, do you plant on decorating or landscaping the orchidarium or leaving it very utilitarian? Landscaping can very quickly and easily eat up half your space. On the plus side, though, it tends to look infinitely more attractive than a utilitarian look.

That said, my first cautionary note: Plan ahead. If you already know which plants you plan on getting, determine how large each is likely to get -- both in height and diameter spread. (Obtaining a large box from an appliance store that you can cut down to size may help you visualize both the space the tank will take up as well as how much room each plant will occupy in that space.) It would be a major let down to get all excited over you new acquisition, only to quickly discover that the plants you want will quickly out grow it.

Next, make sure that all parts of any lighting and/or watering system are easily accessible -- even after the plants are in it.

Third, make sure the tank is well ventilated/ has excellent air circulation. If it is designed as an orchidarium than it should be ... but never hurts to make sure that it actually is.

Fourth, how easily obtainable are replacement parts? (For things like the lighting, air, and water systems if such exist.)

Fifth, you mentioned "for warm growers" ... so is some sort of heating system going to be necessary at part of the year?

Can't think of anything else at the moment that one should look into before buying one.

[mauraec]

Check out some of the older posts on the OT site - there is a lot of useful information in them - just use the search engine. Good Luck!

[orchidsal]

Great thoughts and information Pavel. I'm impressed. Good luck with this orchidbaby. AL

[GenevaDad]

That's a great idea. What type of orchids were you considering? How warm were you planning on making your environment? Please show pics.

[orchidbaby]

Well the only warm one I want currently is a phal Bellina (species) and I hear those are really slow growers. I only have 5 orchids... 2 regular phals from a box store, a mini Catt that I did some damage control to and I really hope it bounces back.. So far lots of new roots which is a good sign, a full size Robert ferguson 'Florida sunset' cattleya and a lennart Karl gottling 'red rim' militonopsis... I know that's a cool grower, wondering how I'm going to adjust the area to acomodate it's needs inside the orchidarium
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[mauraec]

Again, I encourage you to simply search the word "orchidarium" on this Forum - a lot of the environmental issues you're going to come across have been addressed is some very unique ways by our members!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Again, I encourage you to simply search the word "orchidarium" on this Forum - a lot of the environmental issues you're going to come across have been addressed is some very unique ways by our members!

I just clicked on some of the similar thread links earlier when I read this message to review some of what had been posted. Maura's right. Lots of good information here already.

cheers,
BD

[orchidbaby]

Yes I searched and found some thanks guys I always know where to find valuable info! Right here
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[orchidbaby]

Do u think they would be able to customize it upon purchasing, I don't want fluorescent lights I want LEDs
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