Orchidarium progress

[Tindomul]

Hi all,

With recent requests and interest, I have been inspired to post some new pictures of my setup. Okay, the first set of pics are pretty bad. But what the hay.
First off are all the Masdevallias I have. I have 4 species, maybe. I bought 4, and divided almost all of them. As a result, I know I have at least three, possibly 4. The leaves all look the same. The only one I know I have is M. tovarensis, and I also should have M. rolfiana, M. barleana, and M. floribunda.
These pics are intended to show the new root growths and possibly new leaf growths.
Sorry they are not pretty.
This one you can see towards the top some new roots digging into the background. Also the upright leaves are new leaves, while the rest of the plant is drooping, but in good health.


This is a different Masdie doing the same thing, new roots, new leaves



This is the only division of one of the three miniature Masdies that has survived long enough to put on new growths and new roots. Finally! I've lost almost all of the small 4 or 5 or less leaved divisions


This is either a the third Masdie, or its a division from one of the other two. In anycase, this is the one Im truley worried about. No new roots, no new growths, and it has recently lost a leaf. The roots are starting to look brown as well. I sure hope its not the M. barleana. I'm going to move it to a brighter area.


This is M. tovarensis, its a giant compared to others. As a result I had no way of mounting it directly to any background. Its too heavy or too big to fit in a place that would support it. So I left it in its basket and mounted the basket. Not so pretty but whatever. This has new roots and new leaf growths, and I have been slowly taking away the sphagnum moss which never ever dries. I'm afraid to rot it, but am afraid to shock it as well.


It came in bud, but the buds never opened, one stalk has died, and both buds turned brown and papery after a month or so.

Ok, thanks for bearing through the ugly photos. Now as a reward, here are some nice photos. Updates of the whole orchidarium so you can get an idea of where everything is, that is, if you got a good eye for shapes and can distinguish the green from the green. hehe.
This was taken withougt a flash. The glaring white light above it is a 130 watt Power Compact lighting setup at 6500K.
The tank is 30 inches tall.

Top view

Bottom view

Midlevel view with Phal. Mini Mark in bloom (last flower for this guy, after 5 months non stop).

I hope you all enjoyed this post, and please leave some comments, I need feedback.

[justatypn]

Tindo, you have out-done yourself. What a sweet set-up. All your plants look happy happy happy . How do you determine over/underwatering. The enviroment appears to be moist with high humidity. What is your watering regimen. I think if I remember from past posts you mist 3 times a day??? But whatever you are doing your doing a great job

[Tindomul]

Hi, I now mist once every morning, making sure to hit all the roots I can see. I concentratet the most on those orchids way on top as they are first to dry out. Otherwise everyone else stays humid and happy. The mini Catts are growing roots like crazy! Thanks for the compliments

[shakkai]

Tin, Wow! That really is a great environment you have there - they really do look like happy plants! Thanks so much for showing these - I especially appreciate the close-ups of the Masdies! I am wondering now if I am going to mount the two that I currently have (hybrids) - they are rather large, and heavy like you mention your M. tovarensis is. One has 36 leaves, the other 46 leaves. Both continually put out new leaves. Is that why you divided your ones?

I have just ordered M. rolfeana and maybe this will be a smaller plant that I can mount more easily. (I also ordered a Dryadella hirtzii, and a Kefersteinia tolimensis - I notice you have one of those too!)

I've got other questions, but I think I'll ask them in my other thread so that this one stays focused on Tin's beautiful set-up!

It is so beautiful! I especially like the variety and hanging mounted plants from the sides is a great idea to maximize growing room... That a tip that I will remember when setting up mine. (Went and bought some nice pieces of 'bog' wood yesterday, so I'm assembling what I need.)

Thanks ever so much !!
Shannan
Winchester, UK

[Toddybear]

Tin, you really have a mini version of a tropical jungle! You need to set up some displays for a botanical garden...heck, come up to my work and set one of these beauties up in our display house!

[Tindomul]

Thanks all. The Kefferstenia tolimensis I gave to Gin because where I had it in the viv, it was not thriving. It was too dark a spot. I had no more room, so I gave it to Gin. She would know how to care for it.
For my next project I want to do one just like that, but wider so I can put a foam background all around the tank. My only fear is that it will reduce the available light from the sides. But that can be compensated with a stronger light source at the top.
Todd, I would glady make one up for you, but you would have to pick it up. I don't want to go to Canada

[canadacarol]

What a great set-up, Tin! That Phal. Mini Mark is a cutie.
Right now, I don't blame you for not visiting Canada, because it's COLD!

Carol

[shakkai]

Hi again,

How long did it take for your Masdies to start their new growth once you got them in?

Also, what's the little one hanging mounted on wood on the right hand side in the 'bottom' shot? That looks too cute! (Me, searching for ideas of other little things to add...)

You're an inspiration!

[smartie2000]

Thata a great set up there! Bravo

[Tindomul]

Thanks again
Shakkai, they took about 1 month to start seeing some noticable growth.
The little one is Haraella odorata, loves vivariums.