So, I'm looking for a way to localize an increase in humidity in my bedroom for the humidity- and light-loving orchid area I have set up, and I'm looking for input on ways to do so.
I have two Zygopetalums, one Cattleya (L. Tenebrosa hybrid), a Max. Tenuifolia, and an Oncidium "Sharry Baby" in the room.
Of course I can buy a $200 humidifier like the one I bought for the bathroom as a supplement for the ultra-high humidity plants I have in there. However, my husband and I sleep in the bedroom (duh), and it might become uncomfortable to jack up the humidity in the entire room, even with the oscillating fan.
I've heard about trays of water, and I have a small bowl of water and river rocks by the orchids, but my hygrometer doesn't register much of a change at all as a result. (+1% at most) I'm knocking around the idea of switching to S/H with a heating mat, but I thought I'd entertain other options in the meantime.
As an artist, I'm very concerned with visual design elements in my plants, so I bristle at the idea of yet another ugly plastic humidifier in the room with beautiful paintings, furniture, and orchids. So, I was thinking of mounting a wall fountain on one of the walls surrounding the orchids. Not only would it be visually beautiful, but the sound of the trickling water would be soothing as well, and, if I'm correct, would raise the humidity just in that one corner by around 5-10%. I need to go from an average of 55% to an average of 65%.
What do you guys think? Anyone done this and have tips or feedback to share? I figure, the good humidifier is $200, the wall fountain is $250, so it's down to effectiveness and aesthetic qualities as deciding factors...
Help me decide!
-Jen
Increasing Humidity in a Room
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