automated misting system

[Ania]

Hi all,

I am looking into getting an automated misting system for my hanging mounted orchids. I have 20 plants (+/-) hanging from a bamboo stick that is 9 feet long. We are going to be away for a week again and misting them every day is too much to ask from the friend who will be feeding our cat...So, misting system seems like an reasonable alternative, but they do seem expensive to me... How big should the pump be? and how many misting nozzles (1 per plant or 1 per few plants)? Anything alse I should be looking for? Can I build one for less? I am waiting for your words of advice.

TIA

Ania

[The Peloric Orchid]

Although I'm not an expert, if you or or husband have any building or crafting skills, you can probably build one for less. I don't mist my plants because I can get 79% humidity in my bedroom wiht a humidifier. Granted, only a small area needs the humidity, because I have 18 orchids. So you might want to try to get a humidifier. Do you mist your plants for the humidity, or so they can get their water?

[ABro]

You can buy a timer that you can hook up to your hose nozzle, and then run the hose to a piece of pvc that has a misting nozzel about every foot or so. All of the equipment should cost only around 30 bucks or so. The most expensive thing should be the timer, and it isn't hard at all to build everything yourself.

[orchid-man]

I go along with Abro .Also that is all that I am using . The timer that Im using is battery powered,it saves having to run a lead out of a window.

[Ania]

Thank you for your input. I have to use RO water because my well water high minerals content...I think I need something with a about 5 gallons tank... I am thinking small, like a terrarium misting system. What do people use in terrariums?

[Piper]

A terrarium is enclosed, so a fogger provides the humidity. That wouldn't work outside. There are often drip systems on plants that want constant moisture. That's something you might consider. A drip hose that starts 9 feet up and runs down through all of them.

McJulie

[Ania]

The plants are in a small sun room, it would be like a very BIG terrarium. The drip line is a good idea for the outside in the Summer, but it would not work for me inside...
Thank you for your suggestion, Julie. You so good at problem solving. I might just leave things as they are and re-visit this idea later. My poor chids will have to endure drought for a week, so I can vacation.


A

[Gin]

I have to use ro water for the same reason . have thought about a large trash can with one of my submerseble pumps in it , mine are fair size pumps the small ones won't lift very high 1/3 horse I think , a regular garden hose attatches to the top of it which could be hooked to pvc . with the mist nozzles then the pump hooked to a timer .. Just a thought . Gin