Starting Over, A New Collection?

[katierkincaid]

Okay I think this is the photo of the vanda that I had. After I saw it wasnt doing good inside the orchidarium I took it out and put it in this pot.

1. How big was the orchidarium in comparison to the Vanda?
Small compared to the orchidarium it fit no problem.

2. What were the temperatures like in the orchidarium when you had the Vanda?
70-80 f

3. What kind of pot or basket was it in? What was the potting media, if any?
It was in a basket but when it did bad i took it out and put it in this pot

4. What was the lighting situation?
I had it on a timer in the orchidarium 10 hrs on, the rest off. When I took it out it was not alot of light at all getting to it.

5. Did the orchidarium have air circulation?
The orchidarium has a fan in it, but it sure is little and I dont think its doing much, the air seemed stale and so did the water in the bottom of it

6. What were the symptoms associated with its demise?
It just didnt ever do anything, no growth or changes

7. I recall you said something about insects attacking the Vanda, is this correct to assume?
Dont think there was any bugs

8. Where did you buy it from?
ebay

9. How long did you have it for?
6 months not long

10. Was it growing at all under your care?
no

11. What was the humidity like when you had it?
40-60 up and down, i had a hard time stabilizing it

12. Do you have pics of the deceased Vanda?
see link


http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...d_2008/485.jpg

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The Vanda you got was pretty healthy.

I think it was a combination of things that killed it.

1. Lighting.

- It wasn't intense enough. No matter how long the duration of lighting is, it will not make up for the lack of intensity.

- Instead of a florescent bulb, you should be using a metal halide lighting system.

2. Air circulation.

- That little fan isn't going to cut it for the Vanda. Inadequate air movement = poor gas exchange.

3. Root death due to the following:

- The humidity is fine in the orchidarium, but the humidity of your house was most likely much lower and dried the roots out. To correct this problem, potting media could be used in the pot.

- While the air in the orchidarium may be humid, it posed the problem of inadequate gas exchange, quite possibly causing the roots to die.



Final verdict:

* Don't grow Vandas in the orchidarium anymore, unless you design your own specifically for miniature Vandas. But since most Vandas get very large it's probably better to set up a good greenhouse.

* Try growing Vandas outdoors. Just mind the cold weather.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

My Vanda coerulescens just arrived today!

Here's the pic:

[katierkincaid]

I am going to order mine next week, been so busy but i have not forgotten

[Becca]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

My Vanda coerulescens just arrived today!

Here's the pic:

What is the size of the leaf span and where did you order it from? (sorry if you mentioned that previously)

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Becca

What is the size of the leaf span and where did you order it from? (sorry if you mentioned that previously)

No I really didn't, I mentioned possibilities of where to purchase them, but I didn't mention where I specifically got mine from.

Orchids by Hausermann

Leaf span: 6" to 8" (somewhere in that ballpark - it's not a tiny plant, but it isn't gigantic either)

[Becca]

I think my collection could handle that size! Thanks for the info!

[bcub30]

I have a Maui Orchidarium. I have filled mine with Pleurothallids such as Draculas, masdevalias, pleurothallis, and poroglossum. I have had no problems with poor air circulation at all. I open both top vents all the way and even crack the front sliding door on it about 1/4 inch. The temp.insisde is mainly dependent on the ambiant room temps. Mine runs about 72 durring the day and 60 at night. Humidity is usually around 80-90 after watering and drops down to about 70 at other times. If you want to grow Pleurothallids I would suggest that you put some shade cloth over the clear ceiling. Even with only two biaxials, you will get way to much light for them and they will start to either yellow out or burn. Mounted Phals and most Bulbos would do very well in the maui with a bit warmer temps. This orchidarium has been up and running for three years now and I dont know how I ever lived without one!

\Scott

[katierkincaid]

Scott, can I see a pic?

[katierkincaid]

Becca, why dont we all get a Vanda coerulescens too? We can all 3 do a little project!