terrarium basics- or cookie jar terrarium

[smartie2000]

Ok
I do plan on getting a used aquarium in the basement because it's much cooler down there. I hope I can find a cheap one

[rallygirl]

yes, i could see the mold being a problem. are there any tips for discouraging/destroying it and still maintaining good humidity?

[smartie2000]

maintaining air circulation is the best way to prevent mold and rots in humid environments

[knitsteel]

Ok, so I'll have to look into better air circulation soon, and some other container options for the bigger orchids. I'll start keeping the jars open more each day for the time being.

I found a book on terrariums at the library, but not orchids specifically. It doesn't deal with air circulation at all. What's a good book on orchid growing that would also talk about terrariums, or similar, environments? I seem to only have a few art-photography orchid books.

[smartie2000]

....orchid books are off sometimes. Everything is posed temperarily
I have seen tiny aquarium with blooming phals in it. Those phals were not grown in there to start with. And I've seen a 'orchid tree' all of them were phals just placed there temperarily. this 'orchid tree' was also in the worst location possible, getting poor light. They're just another floral arrangement. These photographs in books give the wrong idea for a new grower!

I still think some mini (the tiniest ones) can be grown in a ten gallon, they aren't showing any problems for me. But I will need to upgrade to a larger tank since I hope to get more cool growing plants. Several Masdevallias are sending up new leaves like a weed in my current set up. Pleurothallis tribuloides could probably even grow in a cookie jar.

[Tindomul]

I have a Phalaenopsis Mini Mark 'Holm', a Phalaenopsis javanica, and a Phalaenopsis lobbii in my orchidarium, an upturned(vertically oriented) 20 gallon Long, fish tank. The Phalaenopsis lobbii is about to bloom again, and the P. javanica is growing nicely. The P. Mini Mark 'Holm' flowered for many months, and is now producing a new leaf and more roots. I truely hope to get these well established in this tank.

[Ross]

Let me jump in with some additional observations from my orchidarium (retrofit 30 gal aquarium)

You don't need to provide outside air (air from the room). You must keep air moving constantly, though if there is no outside air coming in or out. Mine runs 24/7.

I occasionally get white mold started on a couple of the wet mounts, but Physan 20 stops that completely.

High amounts of light will get green algae growing pretty quickly and some pots may turn black on top from the algae.

Live green moss will start to make itself known on pots and/or mounts in a couple months and may grow completely over the mount. While pretty, it doesn't do the orchid any good, so I remove it.

As others have said, water will build up in bottom from misting, etc and grow additional agae. Need to remove it (as much as possible) with turkey baster or equivilant.

A high humidity terrarium (with misters, etc.) will probably not be good for any potted orchids, except perhaps Bulbos or Cischweinfias. It will be best for small mounted species such as Haraella or Gastrochilus.

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[Tindomul]

Gastrochillus!!! Ofcourse!! That one's going on my list right now!!! Thanks Ross.

[Ross]

Mine's in advanced spike right now. They bloom in spring.

[daemondamian]

Originally Posted by smartie2000

For my masdevallias I have the entire bottom fill with moist wisconsin sphag too keep the humidity high. As well I have three ice packs. The moist moss helps conduct the cool temps around the pots too and it hides the pots keeping it looking nice. One masd. is starting to stick is roots out of the pot...happy one

Then I have two fluorscent tubes over my 10 gallon tank because I don't have enough light reaching it for sure

And I better get a computer fan I think they can do better with one

Fren, any photos?