Hi All newbie needs help with 1st Orchidarium

[Jewel Orchid Man]

I’m getting ready to build my first Orchidarium and have a couple questions. It’s only 24x12x18 with screen top. I'm using a cork background, waterfall, fluorescent lights and 2 CPU fans for airflow. Now it’s time to put it together. Should I use silicone around the entire perimeter of the background to attach or in just a few spots? Also I’m not sure whether to make the waterfall drip down the background or a rock stream or something. The big question is the plants. I grow a lot of jewel orchids so my environment must be safe for them, fungus and spider mites are potentially catastrophic. My Orchidarium will be 70-80 temp and 75-80% humidity. Can anyone recommend any orchids that are small and can grow in my enviornment? I’m good with the jewels but a total rookie with regular orchids. I really want to make a dense tropical Orchidarium but want my Jewel Orchids to be an important part. If anyone can offer some suggestions I would be grateful!!!

[RosieC]

As you are not getting replies here I'm going to move your thread to our Terrariam section, you will probably find more people with experience of Orchidarium's there.

Also, Welcome to Orchid Board

[Jewel Orchid Man]

Thanks so much Rosie, I think part of the problem is my lack of patience.

It’s GREAT to be here I have a lot to learn this looks like the place for sure.

[RosieC]

can anyone give advise to Jewel Orchid Man?

[trdyl]

Welcome to OB! I wish I couple help but not area.

[tropterrarium]

Re screen top and 70-80% humidity, that does not work unless you live in an area where your indoor humidity is 70-80%. If you need to elevate the humidity, as I presume is the case, you will need a fairly tightly fitting transparent lid, glass or acrylic. A small slit possibly 3-5% of the total top area will be open to allow for air exchange.

Re spider mites, look at the stickies in the terrarium section, and check out the dry ice eradication method. I have used it, and it works wonders.

Waterfall vs middle pond/stream, that is just a question of optical design. Whatever you like will do fine. There's no right or wrong.

For plants, see the sticky post on plants.