Setting up a mini-terrarium for lepanthes/haraella
I just ordered a Lepanthes ovalis and a Haraella odorata from Andy's orchids, with the intention of creating a mini-terrarium. Both of these species should do well at cooler temperatures, high humidity, and lower light. I have a perfect place for a terrarium that needs shady conditions, right beside my aquarium. Since I'm a newbie (and yes, I know the Lepanthes is going to be difficult and finicky), I thought I would stop in here and run my thoughts past you all.
I'm going to get a small humidity monitor - the kind used for reptiles, so that I can be sure that I am keeping the humidity high... 85-95% I am thinking?
I haven't decided exactly what size of container I am going to use - I'm trying to decide if I should get it and set things up now to be sure they are stable before I get the plants, but that would mean risking getting something too small.
I plan to put rock - either those glass stones or lava rock - as the bottom two inches or so. This way, if there is standing water in the bottom, nothing alive is down there to start rotting. The rock will be covered by a layer of spagnum moss. Both plants will be arriving mounted on cork, and for the time being I don't plan to change that.
Within such a small space, air movement may be hard to create at moderate levels, but I plan to jury-rig a small motor (or maybe even some clockworks) to provide it. Experimentation may be necessary to get things perfect.
Does this sound do-able? Am I missing something important? Or something minor?
Thanks in advance!
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