Increasing humidity around orchids-- anything really work?
tillygrower
11 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (29)
thedogsLL
11 years agoarthurm
11 years agoRelated Discussions
Increasing humidity and airmovement, all at once
Comments (22)All the ideas stated about raising humidity are good, but it all depends on what kind of heating system you have in your home - forced air, hot water, electric? I have hot water heat (radiators) and don't have to use any kind of extra humidity device. It just doesn't dry the air like a forced air system. If you do have forced air, I think it will be difficult since the whole principle of the system is a continuous supply of heated (usually dry) air pumped into a room. The cold air in the room flows back out (along with most of the humidity) via a cold air vent or return. I know some people attach humidity devices directly to their furnaces with this kind of system. I really love my hot water heat. The few times I did use a humidifier to raise the humidity in my orchid room, I would only leave it on for a couple of hours and the humidity would go up to 70+% and stay there for most of the day. I then realized I was getting mold on some of my outside walls and stopped using it altogether. Even without it running, I'm still seeing my humidity levels at 55-60% right now. Kevin...See MoreOrchid over a fish tank for humidity
Comments (4)You can certainly try mounting and dangling your Phalaenopsis above/in your terrarium but note that the humidity doesn't linger in a great big cloud above and around such a place. In this room where there is a 600 litre heated tropical fish tank the readings are Temperature 21.8C Humidity 57%. I am attempting to keep my Phalaenopsis collection alive on top of the tank because i can keep the door closed and keep out furry intruders. Any humidity produced by the heating of the fish tank spreads throughout the house and the readings are fairly constant everywhere, just as well, because if green slime started growing on the walls there would be complaints from my better half....See MoreIncreasing Humidity
Comments (13)Samuel: N. ventricosa is a pretty tolerant plant. You're fortunate. Humidity won't be the biggest issue. I'd be more concerned with trying to provide light for ~11-13 hours per day. Neps are essentially equatorial. Once the photoperiod gets lower than 11 hours they will stop pitchering. Twotut: Depending upon the plant species and the current state of a given plant, too much of a change can put a plant in shock. A fresh "Lowes Cube Of Death" plant can tolerate more than one that has been hanging around for awhile. I would put the dome on again and over time, take it off during the day and back on at night, weaning it to being off 24/7. Existing leaves may be "toast", but if it puts out new growth it should be okay....See MoreDoes humidity really keep away mites?
Comments (8)Hi Toni..... The plumerias I have are cuttings, that I bought and started rooting my self in December. They had no leaves. I had the mite problem before I got them. In fact I know where these critters came from, along with probably thrips and fungas knats. They came from a few Citrus trees I bought at my local greenhouse. I brought them all back within a few days of noticing them crawling around these new plants and unfortunately, thanks to my stupidity, not isolating them before I introduced them to my plant room, I infected everything in my room. I was so upset with the greenhouse, because when I brought them back for a refund, I was told by someone I know who works for them that they knew they were selling them infected...:-( That is why I got 49.99 dollar trees for 15 dollars at the end of their grow season!! So trying to rid my room all winter of these pests has been a challange, especially with so many plants grouped together on the second floor of my home. ButI have been able to keep up in a way in a small way, because I have never let this problem get to the point where they are out of control, it is just that I can't seem to get rid of this problem entirely. I am constantly spraying, examining, and doing what ever I can do to keep them at bay, thanks with the help with people that care such as you!! I put down towels on my wood floor, in the center of my room, then one by one spray the heck out of them with a mix of neem oil, dishwashing soap,and a small amount of alchohol all mixed in a sprayer every time I can get a chance, which is probably not enough times,it helps though. But Toni, they just keep coming back, not enough to cause webbing though thank goodness. I still feel like I am waging a war!!Even with my plants growing in the optimal conditions, I keep trying to understand why I can not get rid of them entirely. or if I ever will...:-( That is why I can't wait until spring, and then kick then all outside and then BOMB my plant room. I have alot of Palm trees, which I know are mite magnets and yet they are completely on the other side of the room and I have found none on them yet.:-) Hope this answers your questions and I hope you keep in touch until I get this problem under control..:-) By the way, it seems that I will need help in knowing how to winter Plumeria's by next fall. I will be looking for you on this too..lol Please pray for a quick WARM spring!!...See Moretolumniamatt
11 years agoeahamel
11 years agotillygrower
11 years agojane__ny
11 years agovtandrea
11 years agowestoh Z6
11 years agotamela_star
11 years agoVal Minnich
10 years agoterpguy
10 years agoarthurm
10 years agoterpguy
10 years agotoyo2960
10 years agoDavid_Sweden
9 years agoarthurm
9 years agomattspata1
9 years agocooperdr_gw
9 years agoJane
9 years agoApril Robertson-Thompson
8 years agoarthurm2015
8 years ago1987dakota
8 years agoJulie Smart
8 years agosuzabanana (6b Boston/N. Shore)
8 years agomarcellavmiller
8 years agojane__ny
8 years agomarcellavmiller
8 years agojane__ny
8 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESGot a Hot, Humid Landscape? Add Tropical Flair With Air Plants
Turn tree trunks and walls into lush canvases with plants adapted to the canopies of the rainforest
Full StoryHOUSEPLANTSHow to Grow Orchids Indoors
Orchids are the exotic aristocrats of the flower world and can make themselves comfortable in almost any home
Full StoryHOUSEPLANTSOrchids 101: Slipper Orchid Success
If you don’t already love Paphiopedilums, learning how to grow them with ease might change your mind
Full StoryHOUSEPLANTSOrchids 101: Try Something Different With Dendrobiums
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, these orchids may be a good choice
Full StoryFLOWERSSee the Amazing Orchids Unfolding at a New York Garden Show
Get an eyeful of awe-inspiring orchids in incredible colors and learn how to keep one happily blooming at home
Full StoryHOUSEPLANTSOrchids 101: Classic Cattleyas
These traditional corsage orchids can easily be a part of your collection of blooming plants
Full StoryARCHITECTURETime-Tested, Low-Tech Ways to Cool a Home
People have been beating the heat around the world for centuries without plugging anything in. Could these ideas work for your home today?
Full StoryEDIBLE GARDENSHerb Garden Essentials: How to Grow Thyme
Common thyme and its flavorful cousins are anything but ordinary in the garden
Full StoryFARM YOUR YARDHello, Honey: Beekeeping Anywhere for Fun, Food and Good Deeds
We need pollinators, and they increasingly need us too. Here, why and how to be a bee friend
Full StoryGREAT HOME PROJECTSHow to Add a Skylight or Light Tube
New project for a new year: Increase daylight and maybe even your home’s energy efficiency by opening a room to the sky
Full Story
jane__ny