First post. Description of my grow room in Montana w/ photos!

[Zimzulu]

photo 12:

Pic of the lamp lighting the room. 1,000 watt super-blue metal halide (I went with a bluer spectrum so I could stand being around it. HPS is such an ugly light) powered by a nice ballast that I got as a demo (hasn't been released on the market, yet). The ballast weighs 6 pounds and runs completely cool.. also has 4 dimming modes down to 60% power, making the 1,000 watt lamp a 600. I run it on 1,000, though. Really nice ballast; crazy technology. Lamp is exhausted though the window and fresh air is pulled in from a window in a connecting room.

I use black trays with plastic egg-shell grids lining the bottom as humidity trays. All the trays together hold about 3 gallons of standing water, which evaporates every 30 hours, or so. Also, a small humidifier running on high at all times. When temps are under 80 (which they will be now that this HOT summer is ending) the humidity sits at 60%+. Usually around 70%. Outside of the room humidity is 30% or lower year-round so it's a battle to keep it up while bringing it lots of fresh air.

Room has a couple oscillating fans that click on with the light in the morning. Room also receives supplemental light from large north and east windows.

I water with a 1-gallon pump sprayer. De-chlorinated water. Alternate waterings with MSU fert., liquid kelp, and fresh water.

I make (and sell at a local garden supply) an orchid mix composed of bark, coco chips, perlite, and charcoal. Some plants (phals and paphs) get sphag mixed in. Catts and dendros I often mix in hydroton for faster drainage.

Thanks for reading!

[Wrebbitrocks]

Hi! Sounds like my life! I'm sure the the forums will be tons of help and can't wait to hear stories from you too! welcome

[Leafmite]

Nice collection! Welcome to the forum! I bought a purple pitcher, a sarc, for pest control but it likely thrives because it eats so well. Mine is in peat, perlite, sand, a little fine bark, and topped by moss. I water with distilled or rain water and it gets cattleya light. It sits in a saucer of water. The pitchers collect water when it rains. It is my only pitcher plant so I am definitely giving the plant credit for its survival.

[WhiteRabbit]

Pendulous Den: do you know which it is? One of mine has just started new growth - victoria-reginae, which only blooms off of older canes (not the most recently matured, but previous)

Den spectabile: it's my understanding that in order for these to bloom, fertilizer needs to be with-held starting in September (mine is still a baby, so haven't had to worry about that yet)

accordian leaves: check roots - if roots aren't rotted, try increasing water. Most Dens don't want to dry out completely, except during winter for those that want a winter rest period

good luck!

[secretasiansam]

Nice collection. I met you a few weeks ago, i was in the shop buying hormex for my plants. That gram looks amazing. I cant get mine to stop loosing it leaves every fall! I may need to come get some of your growing media.
Are you involved with our local orchid society at all? I have thought about attending a meeting but haven't yet.