Such a thing as too much air circulation?

[ardera]

I kind of built a terrarium, from a 50g fish tank. I had a computer fan in it, but I do not think it was providing enough circulation, as all of my mounted plants were still damp 2 days after I watered them. The fan had been adequate for the 10g tank, but apparently not the 50. So I found some small "personal" fans at the hardware store, and tried those. The mounted plants definitely are drying out now, but now most of my taller plants are swaying in the wind. Is it possible, or is it detrimental, to have too much air circulation?

Pic is of terrarium, pre super powered mini fans!

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by ardera

Is it possible, or is it detrimental, to have too much air circulation?

Pic is of terrarium, pre super powered mini fans!

In nature there is constant air movement, more so at some times than at others. As long as the humidity level is up, there should not be a problem but you might try half the amount, ie one of each size fan. You might also consider using the higher air circulation after adding water and then backing off. Your plants will tell you if they are unhappy.

CL

[Anisa]

Most of orchids grow on trees in wild and get lots of wind and air circulation. Previous poster give you a good advice about humidity. I am sure your orchids will be fine.

[Ray]

The idea is to prevent stagnation of the air around the plants, not to dry them out.

The fact that the mounted plants are still moist after two days does not strike me as an issue, at all. I wish I could maintain that humidity!

[ardera]

Originally Posted by Ray

The idea is to prevent stagnation of the air around the plants, not to dry them out.

The fact that the mounted plants are still moist after two days does not strike me as an issue, at all. I wish I could maintain that humidity!

Oddly enough, considering I live in Colorado, which is quite dry, I am having major humidity problems in my apartment. Between high humidity levels (around 65-75%), and VERY poor insulation, I am having some serious mold issues. My ceilings are raining on me (condensation), and my windows frames are getting moldy. Because of this, and the fact that I think one of my terracotta pots was starting to grow mold on the outside, after just 2 days in the terrarium, I thought that there was probably an issue with air circulation in my tank. The way it is, I have 4 fans going at all times, in the apt, 1 in each window, with 2 in my biggest window, and I still can not see out of them at all. I'm watching my babies every day now, and have repotted several that appeared to have mold starting in the medium (older medium and/or sphag). I'm even repotting orchids that are in bloom, even thought I would prefer not to, as soon as I see any sign of mold.

Unfortunately, according to my co-workers, I have a real slum lord. Had a mold problem last year (different apt same complex) and they told me it was my fault because "with you, your son, your dog and cats, just breathing is going to cause condensation, which will cause mold.

[ardera]

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I don't use a humidifier or anything. It is just THAT humid. I have been thinking I am just going to have to buy de-humidifiers for the place.