Orchids and Humidity

[brsucculents]

I was wondering if there have been any studies on growing orchids and humidity. I.e. the AOS cultural sheet for Cats specifies 50-80%. I believe that is taken from habitat ranges. I did a brief internet search but all I just find clutter. Is there an optimum value, etc?

[Ray]

All orchids benefit from a decent humidity level, but there is absolutely not an optimum for all orchids.

Something in the neighborhood of 50%-60% or so will be adequate for most, but there are quite a few that do better with much higher levels.

[brsucculents]

Thanks Ray but are there any scientific studies to corroborate this?

[ddivey36]

file:///C:/Users/823314/Downloads/2386-5866-1-PB%20(1).pdf

---------- Post added at 03:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:30 PM ----------

Effects of Plant Size, Temperature, and Light Intensity on Flowering of Phalaenopsis Hybrids in Mediterranean Greenhouses

[Tschimm]

Thank you. That's an interesting article

[brsucculents]

This is a very interesting article. However, from my understanding, the humidity was kept constant in the experiment.

Basically the only purpose for a humidity range is to prevent plants from dehydrating. I'm not sure why a high humidity range is specified. To prevent mold from forming?

Most of the Orchids I grow (Cats, Encyclias Vandas, Phals) are weak CAM plants. If they are in CAM then humidity wouldn't matter since humidity at nights is higher. When does CAM kick in?

[Tschimm]

Good question

[ddivey36]

I found this...
Which Family Has The Most CAM Species? - Xeric World Forums

---------- Post added at 01:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:51 PM ----------

and this
http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs-wm/30600.pdf

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Ray

All orchids benefit from a decent humidity level, but there is absolutely not an optimum for all orchids.

Something in the neighborhood of 50%-60% or so will be adequate for most, but there are quite a few that do better with much higher levels.

And, while it may not be "optimal," there are many that can handle far lower RH levels with little problem.

[ddivey36]

there is also another link in this forum-
Are orchids C3, C4, or CAM plants?