Small terrarium for Restrepia, Stellis, Masdevallia and Dracula - Orchid Board

Longroots · #1 06-09-2021, 08:41 AM

I've been thinking a terrarium setup would be best for these species I have at the moment. The Dracula Lotax seems to be doing really well at the moment in semi hydro, and my Masdevallia Measuresiana seems to be recovering really well in a moss and leca planting. However, my Stelis Stevensonii has had what I think were flower spikes dry up, however it's had plenty of new leaf growth in moss and bark.

The Restrepia funnily enough was probably doing the best to start with but it's now had 3 growths dry up on me. I can't afford a crazy misting set up, and I've had experience with non orchid terrariums (closed). Obviously this has to be open in some way or have air flow, however these plants are small and I'm wondering if there's some way I can bypass fans and misters.

I was thinking about using a false bottom and reservoir using ceramic/porous inorganic mounts to wick water and minimise organic media within the terrarium, instead encouraging more rock based mosses to grow in there. I may also use microfiber to wick water and grow moss on the fiber.

If the setup was small enough for these 4 plants, could I ignore air circulation installation and instead open a door for 15 minutes say?

I'm thinking a 30cm X 30cm X 30cm should be big enough for them all if I landscape it properly.