semi terrarium operation - Orchid Board

diegazo · #1 05-25-2021, 02:47 PM

Hey everyone.

I have created a corner jungle in my bathroom with some orchids along with some other little plants. It has it's own irrigation. There is also one in my living room with a diy humidifier. Any feedback? it's my first time doing something like this but the orchids are blooming from an old cut spike so I think they're happy. Any suggestions?

Dropbox - IMG_5004.mov - Simplify your life

Dropbox - IMG_5008.mov - Simplify your life

thanks

harpspiel · #2 05-25-2021, 04:04 PM

The cold mist humidifiers look fine, the orchids will certainly appreciate the extra humidity.

As for the drip system - how often and how long does it run? If it doesn't directly wet the places where you want to attach mini orchids, you will likely need to water them by hand. On the other hand, if it's running constantly you'll probably get some algae and mold issues in the wettest spots.

SADE2020 · #3 05-25-2021, 04:32 PM

Umm 🧐 interesting setup in the Bathroom ...is it glue to the walls? Or do you have a base, box or something behind?

Did you use Keiko hormones on those phals?

diegazo · #4 05-25-2021, 04:42 PM

HI, thanks for asking. I bought a one inch thick insulation board and used construction or pond foam and on top of that a mix of coco coir, and moss etc. I've installed the insulation after painting with waterproof paint and using silicone in addition to screws. No water goes through, which is good.

diegazo · #5 05-25-2021, 07:24 PM

Hi,

It runs as a mist and not a drip. It runs 3 times per day for just a few minutes. I think it's 3 minutes of quick mist. It doesn't soak it all, it just keeps it moist, the fan dries it out in between mists. I can move the mini misters around to hit the areas that I want to get moistened. But yes that's what I was doing (watering by hand) until I finally had it all set up. It took a week of trial an error so the misters do exactly as I needed them to do. The plants now seem to be very happy with the level of moisture and air circulation they are getting. I'm getting about 20 different blooms from the happy phalaenopsis. Thanks for your feedback. It helps me think things through with different points of view and I'm grateful that you answered and asked good questions.

harpspiel · #6 05-25-2021, 07:27 PM

I'm talking about the corner one that appears to have a drip system, at least it has tubing running throughout and in the video is actively dripping.

Most of the time, mist systems (like cool mist humidifiers) do not actually "water" orchids, they just keep the air humid, and watering by hand is still necessary. Even a misting system like a MistKing will only water the orchids if it runs for long enough aimed just right.

However, if your orchid roots turn green when the mist is on, and then go back to white when it is off, that should indicate they are getting enough water via just the mist. Otherwise roots and leaves will slowly wither from lack of water.