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Orchids in terrarium

15 years ago

Hi everyone: You may remember that I posted for advice on my four little orchid clones a year back. I put them outside (sheltered) for the summer and they grew an inch each! I'm so proud. This is their third summer since I uncorked them.

I decided to keep the humidity higher when I bring them inside, so I got a 10 gallon aquarium. Now, these orchids are small, the largest is only about 5 inches high. One each of oncidium, dendrobium, cattleya and vanda.

My question is: how often do you recommend that I clean out the terrarium to prevent mold growth. I'm planning on my water/vinegar mix that I use for cleaning about every two weeks. Obviously, more often if I see any mold.

Do you think I'm on the right track?

I should add that the winter location is very bright, I had a phal bloom there recently, and my african violets just love it.

Thanks in advance.

Florrie

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Comments (4)

delray54
15 years ago
Florrie, the plants need air circulation or you will end up with worse than mold. You might consider a muffin fan that is set up with a plug...or a small desk top fan.

What are the name of your orchids? Phals and African Violets are low light plants.
the_analyst
15 years ago
Florrie, you may want to check out the terrarium forum. I've seen some posts about orchids over there.

Sarah
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I don't grow this species but to answer your questions: 1. Mist? To what end: water it or raise humidity? Humidity alone is not enough to keep your plant hydrated. You will need to water (not just mist). 2. Your case does need ventilation if you want to prevent fungus or bacterial infections. 3. You will need to vary the daylength. Leaving the lights on 24/7 sis decidedly unhealthy for your plant--and indeed he majority of plants--and in many cases can prevent your plant from blooming (if the plant is a short day or long day plant. Don't know about this species.) Hope this helps! Chris
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Ok Thanks so much. Yes 30,000 plus varieties is a bit overwhelming, but with so much variety you would think it would be simple task to find the appropriate plants. Not so. What a chore. If it wasn't for this website and the internet, I'ld really be in the dark. I checked out the tropical-experience page, and loved the frog info, but the plant list lost my confidence at first reading. In the intro he specifically mentions that african violets, begonias, and one other I didn't konw, will get a fungal infection and die in a terrarium (already knew that from experience), and then the first thinng I see in his list of good terrarium plants were the same three plants he already black-balled! Go figure. Not sure what he was thinking, but don't trust the list as a result of it. Anyway, I do appreciate all the help. Larry
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smwboxer
15 years ago
Why not just try putting then near a sunny window and using a humidfier? My guess is they would much better that way than in an aquarium. I grow all my orchids in front windows with a humidifier and small desk fan.
florrie2
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi and thanks for your comments. I can't use a humidifier because the rooms all have very high ceilings (20 ft) and are open to the rest of the house. Humidity would be lost in a big space.

I was planning to keep the top only partially covered and remove it periodically. Also remember that these are VERY small orchids and will not take up all the space, so there will be lots of room for air circulation. The largest is about 5 inches high (One each of oncidium, dendrobium, cattleya and vanda).

As far as light is concerned, I'm not expecting them to bloom any time soon. I have an incandescent AgroSun 150W about 10 inches away (not too hot) and have recently added a fluorescent light as well. They get straight northern light in the morning, then afternoon sun from a high skylight in the afternoon, in addition to the lights.

Thanks, Florrie

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