WIP: Fridge terrarium for cool growers

[theorchidapartment]

Originally Posted by Orchidtinkerer

What type do you want to grow in there that needs the cold?

Some of the species I have in mind are Sophronitis, Dracula, Masdevallia... a lot of them can tolerate intermediate daytime temperatures (which is what I usually have) but need a cool down at night to survive. I also want to ensure against the occasional blazing hot days and not have to cool the entire apartment just for those orchids.

I actually struggle with hot growers too! I have a Vanda that has bud blasted over and over to show for it, haha. But I don't have room for big showy plants and am intrigued by some of the miniature weirdos, a lot of which come from higher altitudes.

[Draikan]

Is the fluorescent inside the cooled space or outside? It would be best if it were outside so it doesn't put all its heat into the tank.

Do you know what kind of bulb is used? you might be able to find an LED replacement for that size of fluorescent bulb.

If you were able to speed control the compressor, it would let you scale down the cooling power. This would let it cycle on and off less, and run more consistently. This may not matter, but there is some risk of ice forming on the heat exchanger if it's too powerful in your humid environment.

[theorchidapartment]

Originally Posted by Draikan

If you were able to speed control the compressor, it would let you scale down the cooling power.

Oh, that would be great, but if the only control I have is a temperature knob, I'm guessing that's not an option...?

The light fixture is inside the cooler, so I'm looking into replacing it with an LED tube, for temperature and brightness reasons. Gonna do some research about that now. Since the sides are glass, lighting from the outside is also an option, I suppose!

[Orchidtinkerer]

Originally Posted by theorchidapartment

Sophronitis, Dracula, Masdevallia

Ah it's a shame you are not like me, don't really like masdevalia's, find draculas boring and sophronitis is overrated.

A Prosthechea vitellina is a good substitute for a sophronitis

But we each have our own tastes and likes. I can understand the appeal if it is rare where you live but I think they are a bit overrated.

[theorchidapartment]

Originally Posted by Orchidtinkerer

Ah it's a shame you are not like me, don't really like masdevalia's, find draculas boring and sophronitis is overrated.

A Prosthechea vitellina is a good substitute for a sophronitis

But we each have our own tastes and likes. I can understand the appeal if it is rare where you live but I think they are a bit overrated.

Haha, well those were just three genera off the top of my head, but once I can accommodate cool growers, my options will expand greatly! Hope to fill it with all kinds.