Wine cooler for cold growing orchids

[wintergirl]

I found a 12 bottle wine cooler for $20 on Craigslist. I am trying to keep masdevallias that don't like heat in there. I started with one plant. There is light through the window but I can add light outside if needed. There is a fan inside.
The humidity and temps 63-64. Anyone ever try this? Any thoughts?

[wintergirl]

Day 2 review. The roots actually look better today. The heat had really been bothering the plant a Masdevallia limax. It had been sitting in a small dish of rain water in s/h pebbles and a clay pot. I can keep it a little drier since it's cooled down and the roots seem happier. So that is a positive sign.

[gngrhill]

Sounds like a great idea. Please keep us posted.

[PaphMadMan]

It certainly has been done before. I knew a woman who grew a fantastic Masdevallia and Dracula collection in refrigerated bakery cases, and many have converted wine coolers. You should be able to find some examples on the web. Like any other enclosure, it depends on giving the plants all they need.

Is 60% humidity enough? Is there air movement? Proper drainage? Is constant temp without day/night change optimal?

As for light, paint the interior with a white or reflective paint and whatever you choose to provide light through the front glass will be more effective. Or it should be possible to rig LED lighting inside.

Good luck. Persistence will pay off.

[wintergirl]

Thanks for your post PhaphMadMan. The temp is constant. The fan in the back runs constantly. Not sure about painting, maybe. I have a grow light the exact size for the window and it will work and give a lot of light. I usually don't give my masdies a lot of light anyway. Stay tuned for updates.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Good luck wintergirl, sounds like it will work. I finally have a new set up for my Masde's in my basement. At some point I will get pics and start my own post.

[wintergirl]

Here is an update so far. 3 new growths! I was loosing the plant and now I have 3 new growths. I don't know if it's necessary, but I open the frig several times a day just to make sure I get an air exchange. There is a fan in there but I just want to make sure. The temp is staying constant, so I got a good fridge for $20. I have a new cold growing masdie coming today and it will go in there too.

[estación seca]

Visitor: Why do you have dozens of wine coolers all over your house?
wintergirl: Ummm....

[Subrosa]

One thing to consider. For some plants the natural temperature drop from day to night is required for normal growth.

[wintergirl]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

One thing to consider. For some plants the natural temperature drop from day to night is required for normal growth.

Thanks
I did think about this and I figure that when it gets colder the temp may drop in the wine cooler too. It is a thermoelectric cooler they can generally only produce temperatures about 20°F lower than the temperature outside the unit. Also I have it set on the warmest cold so there is room to go colder. It should be interesting. I got my new masdie and it is a big one, so this cooler is going to fill fast I think.