Help - Orchid Board

gypcee · #1 03-29-2006, 12:16 AM

i'm new to the Orchid world .I need all the help i can get .Ihave only three plants with more onthe way.I hope i don't harm them .have always wanted to grow orchids .Ifinely got the courage to try.

Tindomul · #2 03-29-2006, 10:32 AM

what do you need help in? I think you forgot to write the question. If not then, dont overwater, dont over dry. Keep them humid, and not too hot. Keep the leaves clean, no chemicals, and someone else can tell you about fertilizers. The potting substrate should be loose and well draining, but keep humid also.

gypcee · #3 03-29-2006, 02:23 PM

there is tons of info. out there .Idon't know where to start. Ihave 2 ten gal.tanks .Should i use them? how ?what we grow inthem?I have a small phalaenopsis , doritaenopsis,2 cattleya seeding .Should they be in there?I have a very old cold house .How can i keep them warmShould i use lights.Thanks

Tindomul · #4 03-30-2006, 09:53 AM

I doubt your ten gallon tanks will be big enough to fit your plants, but you can put them in anyway, as long as you dont put a top on the tank. The tank will help keep humidity up around the plant, and lights would help keep the plants warmer than outside the tanks. But Im not too sure what the requirements of each orchid is. I wish someone else would chime in. I think that the phals would do nicely in the tanks.

gypcee · #5 03-30-2006, 01:21 PM

thank you for your help. one more thing is there an inexpenseve place to get tanks ond or lights. What size tank would be good have very little space.

Tindomul · #6 03-30-2006, 04:16 PM

ebay. They sell tanks cheap. For your purposes the tank doesnt even have to be leak proof. At least not all around.
20 gallons or if you can fit a 29 gallon tall.

gypcee · #7 03-30-2006, 08:36 PM

Thank you very muchfor your help. Lillian

Oscarman · #8 03-30-2006, 11:27 PM

I have a few plants in an old fish tank with sliding glass lids. In the bottom there are some upsidedown plastic pots, topped with plastic egg crate (light diffuser) and lit with 2 x 48" flourescent lights. Mostly it is used for seedlings, plants out of flask or those that benefit from the extra humidity.

You can see a picture of it ("Fish Tank Greenhouse") in the Gallery. It is a 23 gallon.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ry.php?cat=504