JRD - Orchid Board

JRD · #1 02-01-2007, 01:26 AM

Greetings, I am a Californian and totally new to orchids. I am considering an orchid for my anole lizard vivarium. It is warm and humid and the little guys get rambunctious, plus their food is small crickets. I am wondering if there is an orchid that is suitable for this setup?

smartie2000 · #2 02-01-2007, 01:35 AM

I'm sure there are orchids for this type of set up, some experts can name some for you.

I think you can get a cheap phalaenopsis, since they tolerate low light levels. However the problem with set up would be lighting issues. Orchids do not bloom if they are not provided with enough lighting and you would most likely have to extend the hours so that the fluorescent lights are on to 14hrs or more. Paph maudiae hybrids are another option.

JRD · #3 02-01-2007, 01:55 AM

Thanks for the info. At this time the fluorescent light (a reptile light) is on 12 hours a day. This is the recommended time for the lizards. There is a 75 watt incandesent bulb for basking and at night a red incandesent 75 watt light is left on for warmth. I would have to research whether it would be OK for lizards to have 2 more hours a day of light. Again, thanks.

CodiMN · #4 02-01-2007, 02:01 AM

Ooo! Sounds like a great project! I know there are a few members that have vivariums. Check out that link on the forums.

I (being VERY new myself) wouldn't be able to give you much help...BUT I know there are some members from other regions in the world that naturally have VERY humid climates (similar to your vivarium)and are very insightful on what different orchids can tolerate.

It's great cuz there are sooooo many kinds...some love humidity and heat, and others prefer it a little cooler.

Either way, you have found a great online resouce.
--Carolyn

terrestrial_man · #5 02-01-2007, 05:28 AM

Welcome to the Board, JRD!
There are lots of orchids that will do well in a viv/terrarium setting. For one that is easy and that should flower for you try Ludisia discolor. It is a terrestrial and has almost flourescent type leaves. The flowers are not big but the plant is cool!
Check for more ideas in the terrarium/viv section of the forum.

Tindomul · #6 02-01-2007, 11:18 AM

Hi, welcome to the oRchid Board! Would like to see a picture of your enclosure. If you have a space where you can mount an orchid, I would reccomend a miniature Cattleya, preferably in a spot close to the light, where it gets warm, and where it can dry quickly. Miniature Cattleyas are tough, and have beautiful blooms. Mine have been the most successful orchids in my vivariums. You will see them growing roots very quickly, and blooming soon, such as this Slc. Mini Beau. I have three cutting of it in my vivariums, and all are sending out roots to attach themselves to the background like there is no tomorrow.

JRD · #7 02-01-2007, 03:47 PM

There is a picture of my vivarium in the gallery. Haven't figured out how to put it in a post.

cb977 · #8 02-01-2007, 04:02 PM

Hi JRD

Seems like you've had a little trouble with your pics...here's a link that will help you:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...er-discussion/

The first three posts in this thread will answer your picture posting questions...sorry you ran into trouble

We look forward to seeing your

JRD · #9 02-01-2007, 06:50 PM

Thank you Marty for putting the link of the picture of my vivarium in my post. The vivarium has a styrofoam "cliff" to which I have attached air plants and there is an oak branch that has one of the air plants sitting on it. There is reptile bark for soil. A fiber-optic plant and a pothos are planted in the soil. A waterfall in the back corner helps provide humidity and I mist it twice a day. The temp near the top is 85 to 90 and 75 to 80 near the bottom. I haven't had a chance to look up the orchids that have been recommended, but I like the ones with lots of little white flowers.

Thanks for your patience. JRD