Humidity tray question

[dennis]

i use two 3 inch computer fans blowing right across the plants and am having no problems whith it they run 24/7. everything in there is growing good

[Ray]

Now you've got me going...

If you want trays for catching overflows during watering, that's great, but if you are expecting pebble trays to actually increase the humidity in the growing area, you're pretty much wasting your time, as nature is working against you.

Evaporation

[Ross]

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

Ross,
You said you have a small fan running across your orchids, does this fan blow directly on them? I was told that it was okay for a fan to blow past my orchids but not directly on them, even with an osculating fan because the breeze blowing on them would dry them out and cause the pseudobulbs to shrivel. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

Yes the fan blows directly on them. I don't know where you heard that was bad, but bad info. What happens in nture when wind blows? I also have 3" fan blowing 24/7 directly on the minis in my Orchidarium and they like it just fine. Now humidity there is another situation - 95-97% all day.

[Becca]

Originally Posted by Ray

Now you've got me going...

If you want trays for catching overflows during watering, that's great, but if you are expecting pebble trays to actually increase the humidity in the growing area, you're pretty much wasting your time, as nature is working against you.

Evaporation

Ray,
What would you recommend if pebble trays are a wast of time? They are such a pain as well, but was recommended by a local grower in my area. I don't have the time, money, or space for a humidifier. Are there any other alternatives? I also have some Cymbidiums out doors yet it is a very dry climate where I live and I wasn't sure what I should do for them as well for humidity. I feel like I should leave orchid growing alone sometimes since I know I am not providing the right conditions.