Dracula (or other orchids in this clade) in an aquarium?

[Joshaeus]

Exactly what it sounds like...in view of their high humidity requirements, would Dracula and related genera do best in a plastic wrap covered aquarium? Obviously it would have to be a tall tank to fit the orchid in question, and to prevent the orchid from running out of oxygen/CO2, I would have an aquarium air pump running into a shallow layer of water in the bottom (which simultaneously would help maintain the desired humidity). Failing plastic wrap, would a screen mesh lid work if I misted a couple times a day?

[No-Pro-mwa]

I think they would need some air flow. Are you planing that?

[Joshaeus]

I would need that, wouldn't I? Guess a mesh lid would work better...

How about this: I could have a mesh lid with the orchid either on the floor or (in the case of Dracula, which likes blooming through the bottom) suspended a couple inches off of it, and a fan over a pool of water also in the tank to provide both circulation and humidity (and probably lower temps while it was at it ) How does that sound?

[No-Pro-mwa]

That sounds like it would work. I wish I could help more but I have never done anything like this before. There is a terrarium section that you can look around and probably find some better advice from. Good luck.

[estación seca]

Yes, I highly recommend you browse both the terrarium section and the Dracula posts here on Orchid Board. I haven't grown in a terrarium for decades and I've never been willing nor able to give Dracula what he needs to stay undead.

The terrarium forum is reachable via the menu at the left; click on Forums.

The Search feature is in the top maroon menu towards the right. If you just type in Dracula you will get a lot of threads to read. If you type in the species that interest you there will be somewhat fewer threads.

I assure you everybody here will be very interested to see the setup you design and follow the growth of your plants!

[PaphMadMan]

Pleurothallids of many types can be grown in terraria, including Dracula. You will need to have some air exchange, so not a tight seal like plastic wrap, but not as open as a mesh top. 80-90% humidity as a goal, not 100% (tight seal), and a mesh top would probably max out at 50% near the bottom. And you MUST have an internal fan for air movement.

[Joshaeus]

...maybe a mesh lid partially covered with platsic wrap? Perhaps around 60% covered?

[Pattywack]

You could buy plexiglass cut to fit the top of your aquarium. That would give a better seal than mesh and not as heavy as glass. Have it cut a bit short at the front to allow for a little air. Use computer fans for circulation. The possibilities are endless. You've got some reading to do, have fun!

[Tindomul]

I like the use of computer fans and very little air exchange. This keep the humidity up, but so long as you keep the air moving, problems will be at a minimal.