Humidity in Orchidariums

[katierkincaid]

I have two Maui orchidariums on the way to my house now. Does anyone have experience with humidity levels in the maui? Did they have to put in a supplment aka mist king or misting nozzels. Or did the humidty just rise because it was enclosed? Thanks for any advice.

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[shams]

no idea. I have no experience with orchidariums at all. But I'll just bump this up to the top so more people can read it

[CodiMN]

With my homemade orchidarium, I just monitor it with my little thermometer/hydrometer. Seems to stay humid as the water evaporates from the growing medium. But with anything, just keep checking it to see if you need to open the vents more or have the fans running more often.

[Ross]

I think there are few here with this exact tank. Mine is custom made and keeps 90-99% humidity all day.

[Royal]

Do a little research on your orchids' needs. They will range from 60%-90%.

Mine is custom too. Just a fish tank w/ a plexi top. I just experimented with vents and fan speed/placement. I'm sure that your factory made models will be much more flexible and adjustable. Just make sure you move the hygrometer around, or get two (they're cheap). You'll have little microclimates, just work with them instead of trying to fight it.

It's really a balancing act, and it depends on your culture and technique. I wouldn't say that you NEED auto misters right off the bat, but it may make your "balance" easier to attain. Other ingenuitive OB members have made modifications like an exhaust fan that only runs a few hours at night. The possibilities are endless...

[Ranchnanny]

Hello there boy I am green with envy that you have two Maui Orchidariums coming. I only have one but for now it is ok. Hope to get the Grand Cayman at some point in time. Humidity in my Maui is not a problem. The instructions will tell you how to use the vents to keep things perfect. My humidity runs between 80 and 90% and I mist 3 or 4 times a day. So having a misting system wasn't necessary for me. At night I open the top vent to let the heat out (from lights) then open the door a little bit so the temps drop the 10 or 15 degrees.
The 3 lights are on a timer from HD. The fan runs 24 7.
How many lights does yours have 2 or 3 lights? My S/H medium even stays moist longer due to the humidity. Things are growing so well. Its easy to clean as well. Make sure you check all of the packing for the top vent cover I almost threw mine away. You will see amazing results fast.... My orchids outside the orchidarium are growing well but at a slower pace.

Enjoy your Orchidariums

TTFN - Sheridan

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[terryros]

This is maybe a stupid question, but I guess we take all kinds here. If it is true that orchid leaves don't really have many openings and don't really do much exchanging of gas or fluid through them, then the roots are most of the deal for the orchids. High humidity must then be to supply the roots with constant but not excessive moisture? If the roots are kept evenly moist artificially with s/h culture or even with frequent watering through a very porous medium do you think the same high humidity needs to be achieved?

[Ranchnanny]

Don't know about the technical terms but my 'chids' love the humidity. But I suppose if your growing cooler grown orchids you might have a problem.

Sheridan

[Ross]

I think the humidity needs are more for the roots than the leaves?

[katierkincaid]

Very interesting Thank you everyone for your GREAT comments. My humidity in my house is usually 45-55% depending on if my lights are on, i am hoping that the orchidarium will raise this a bit for fasting growing. I dont have to many cool growing orchids and was planning to leave those under the lights outside the orchidarium anyway. I really was just wondering about what the boost will be. I keep coming home everyday and saying I HOPE ITS AT MY DOOR WAITING FOR ME! How gay I must be, orchid gay that is.