Questions about growing cloud forest orchids.

[Russell 99]

I've always wanted to grow various types of orchids and since I've moved to the mountainous area at 1300masl I've decided to try growing some cloud forest orchid, I was able to aquire some local ones as the land was being cleared for agricultural purposes. The problem with where I got the orchids and where I live is that the blowing wind is really really dry and the temperature is 23-18-15(rarely goes 15-only in winter months) Celsius and the area I got the orchids from have a temperature range from 20-18-14-9 Celsius, also the elevation is 1900/2000masl.

I have sloved the dry air problem by covering 3 sides with UV polythene the hood covered with 50% shade net and a 10x8 area left completely open(entrance).

Now I have only 2 problems

1. How can i lower the temperature range to the are I got the orchids initially.

2. I've heard that a lot of growers use ultrasonic atomizers to increase the humidity and create a suitable environment.
The problem is that ultrasonic atomizers are rarely or not available at all unless imported and importing isn't a solution these days. So I found a sprinkler that when connected to a motor would produce a fine mist or will just watering more frequently solve the problem.

[estación seca]

I think 15 will be fine.

If your water is very pure spraying should work. Otherwise collect rain.

Good luck! Let us know how they grow and send photos.

[Russell 99]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I think 15 will be fine.

If your water is very pure spraying should work. Otherwise collect rain.

Good luck! Let us know how they grow and send photos.

Thanks I'll post some photos soon.
However it rarely goes 15, mainly in the winter months, I've edited my main post.
It's about 23-24 Celsius during the day and 18 at night.
Rains aren't really frequent here and when it does rain its usually just a small drizzle except on October and November.
I use tap water for now but on some days its really muddy.

[estación seca]

If you put tap water on a window or on drinking glasses does it leave white mineral spots when it evaporates?

[Russell 99]

Originally Posted by estación seca

If you put tap water on a window or on drinking glasses does it leave white mineral spots when it evaporates?

Nope,no signs of salt left by evaporation

[Louis_W]

Wild plants can be sensitive to being moved but it doesn't sound like you are changing their conditions too drastically. I would worry more about making sure the light is the same.


What kind of orchids are they??

[estación seca]

Your water should be OK. If you keep them shaded and moist, evaporative cooling will help a lot. Spray them at dusk. This mimics their nightly dew and mist, and will cool them. They expect this so the chance of rot is low. You've probably hiked in their environment so you know what conditions are like.

[Russell 99]

Originally Posted by Louis_W

Wild plants can be sensitive to being moved but it doesn't sound like you are changing their conditions too drastically. I would worry more about making sure the light is the same.


What kind of orchids are they??

Some eria and oberonia The oberonias and eria were growing in full sun but when I moved them to my place the got sunburnt, I have them currently under a 50% shade cloth.

[Russell 99]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Your water should be OK. If you keep them shaded and moist, evaporative cooling will help a lot. Spray them at dusk. This mimics their nightly dew and mist, and will cool them. They expect this so the chance of rot is low. You've probably hiked in their environment so you know what conditions are like.

Thanks