RH... your input please!
 

Hello everyone!

My name is Claude and I live in Montreal. I grow mostly Phal species in a shelving unit in my kitchen.
I grow in SH culture.
( you can see my installation at: www.picturetrail.com/phalguy )

It`s a wooden shelving unit. Top, bottom and 3 sides are covered with heavy duty plastic.
Each shelf ( 3 ) has 4 40 watts, 48 inches fluorescent tube.

I can maintain an average of 24 to 25 C daytime and 18 nighttime.
Here is my problem.... I can hardly maintain a 32 % humidity. I have tried to cover my entire unit with plastic but it`s not enough. I added 2 fans, blowing through a cotton cheese, soaking in water and the RH went up to 50% max.
I would like to know what is the best way to increase RH in my installation without beeing too costly !

thanks for your input

Claude

Most epiphytes close their stomata during the day to avoid dehydration. So whilst everyone tells you to keep the humidity up, I am not sure the assertion is backed by any sort of science. Surely the proof of the pudding is that your plants are growing very well?
Weng

Thank you Weng....
Because I`m growing my Phals in SH, where the roots are always in a moist medium, I was wondering if the RH was so important !
They are, in fact, growing very well !

Claude

I am growing my Phals in the basement on top of egg crate light diffuser and over wet/damp clay pieces. I am sure the RH is not near 50%. My plants dry out quickly, but they are refreshed with frequent watering. I am sure they would love it to be more humid environment.....one day.......!

Hi Dave,
In their natural environment, Phals grow on trees, and rather like washing on a line, they dry out very quickly ;)
Weng

I think as long as thier roots get adequate moisture the rest of the plant will be fine. That is as long as its not 0% humidity on the rest of the plant. I bet the humidity in the roots is much higher anyway.