Growing Cool Masdevallia and Draculas
 

I have been reading as much as I can get my hands on lately on this forum on the above topic, and I have arrived at a preliminary conclusion that I would need a greenhouse to grow these orchids.

For me, that is a show stopper!

I currently grow using a humidifier and T5 four tube lights. I would like to get information on possibilities for ways to keep these cool growing species without breaking the bank. Plans for building a cool growing system are floating in my head as a possibility.

Any help?

We have read on this form and presently have a miltoniopsis and a masdevallia potted in the recommended way. Try potting in a clay pot, then place the pot into another clay pot and fill in the void with spag. or as we do lava rock. We have both plants in hydrocorn in semi hydro.This potting method keeps the roots a lot cooler then the surrounding air temp.So far it is working for us and a lot cheaper then a greenhouse! Good luck with whatever you decide to try.

I am experimenting with clay pellets (similar to hydroponics) and clay pots. I put the plants close to the ground in an intermediate/warm house. Pots stand in a big saucer and are kept more or less humid all the time. So far with good results, also in summertime.
I do not use a humidifier. Temperature can be high and humidity can be low at daytime. However a night drop in temperature is important.

Here's an example of a clay pot that is supposed to keep the orchid cool...

Cool Pots

Check out the list of Dracula species from J & L Orchids. They even have Intermediate to Warm growing Draculas...

J&L Orchids ~ Draculas