| Bill U. |
07-06-2013 10:14 AM |
Hung,
I have been dealing with this problem for 2 years now. I am currently 20 years old and have been growing orchids in my single bedroom in my dorm. While my collection hasn't gotten as large as yours (parent-control from when I'm home), I still keep finding ways to make it work for me. Currently, I keep all of my orchids to miniatures, or compact-growers to try and help save with space. I just bought a grow rack to bring with me to school (my parents have been pretty understanding with it all).
In addition to getting my grow rack, I have to use supplemental artificial lighting for all of my beauties because even though my room has a window, I don't get near enough light to actually grow much of anything... Therefore I use some re-purposed fluorescent tube lights (17watt, 24", 65000K) and some additional clamp spot lights (23watt CFL, 6500K) for my higher-light orchids.
It can get a bit interesting in terms of finding room to fit everything in the dorm room, in addition to watering (I've been in a suite-style, so I share a bathroom with 4 other guys...).
Yet another factor that I have had to think about/deal with is the temperature aspect. Luckily, I have been in a single room that has always been controlled by its own thermostat (that I could adjust), but there are many that don't have that option, or you have to share the thermostat with another room, etc. This can be interesting with some of those that need chilling or anything like that- which is why I haven't really branched into dendrobiums because I can't really give them the "chill" that they need.
If you want to talk about it more, I am more than happy to share either on this post or via PM. Happy growing! :D
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