My aeroponic orchid wall

[bballr4567]

Very interesting setup. I like it!

[WhiteRabbit]

Wow! Very cool!

[Stray59]

Ahhhh, the creativity of the orchidist! How very cool - and labor intensive, but obviously worth the time. Could you not set up a slow drip device to add the citric acid daily - or get a mechanical device that delivers the needed ph adjuster? Seems like there should be an easy way to do this and allow you to leave it for some extended periods. Check into Hydroponic catalogues maybe? I am sure there is something out there.
This is so way cool - thanks for posting the pics, the plants look great!
Steve

[Vanda lover]

I am imagining what this will look like when the plants start blooming. What a great way to create space for them! It just goes to show, there is always room for more orchids, if you use your imagination.

[ALToronto]

Thank you Steve! I will definitely look into getting a slow drip device. I'm not sure if such a thing exists as a standalone (as opposed to a device that connects to a hose), but it's worth a look. Or maybe I should just switch over to lithophytic orchids that like alkaline water! *

[ALToronto]

Thanks for the suggestions, but the pH is no longer a problem. Between etching and carbonation, the alkaline surface layer has disappeared, and the water is staying pretty neutral. Besides, the catts don't seem to mind the alkaline surface - the roots are attaching themselves to the outer surface of the wall and staying healthy.

I've also given up on trying to recirculate all the water. So I made a planter to go underneath the wall and replace the cubby. The planter has a 1/4" hose fitting sticking out of the bottom, and the top of the fitting is about 1/2" above the bottom of the planter. This creates a bit of a semi hydro environment with lava rock in the planter. Overflow goes into a small pail, and I get about 1/2 cup a day.

I filled the planter with anthuriums and one stray mini phal. They all love it, and I no longer have to worry about spraying water over the front surface of the wall.

[Discus]

Thanks for the update, looks great
I wondered if the pH problem would be short term.

[Gage]

Beautiful! I also love the planter underneath!

[Vanda lover]

Wow! That will look spectacular when they bloom!

[RJSquirrel]

I admire your tenacity at making that work.