Help with Grand Cayman Orchidarium - Orchid Board

dpm2010 · #1 01-20-2012, 08:50 PM

Hello all,

I am completely new to this forum and hoping that I don't offend and hard core terrarium growers. Couldn't figure out where to put this. Have a couple of questions that I need to figure out. Living in an apt in NYC, where space is very limited, I'm determine to have success with this projects. I have many years of orchid growing experiences both as work and at the NYBG orchid glass house. I have no room to mix up potting media. Is there a place that you could suggest has good potting media for the orchidarium. I know that orchids need particular potting mediums, but Im looking for a good general one. Im just starting to populate the orchidarium and my passion is species orchids. Any advice on both the Grand cayman. Also, I need suggestions on fertilizers - again a general across the board fertilizers. I've used Dyna-Gro in many places that I have worked with orchids. Im also trying to cut cost by using an ultrasonic misting gear. Does anyone have suggestions on this. I also need a light meter, min/max/humidity thermometer. I will have more questions real soon. I just wanted to introduce myself and surely get sage advice from the members on this forum. I thank you for your time and look forward to a reply. I will reply with many other questions as I'm trying to setting it up properly. Quarantine has already started. Thanks for your time.

Best

dpm2010

keithrs · #2 01-21-2012, 01:01 AM

First off... Welcome!!!!!

Orchiata bark is some of the best media I've used. Repotme.com has pre made mixes.

MSU or J.R. Peters(aka Jack's professional orchid food) orchid fertilizers are some of the best. I recommend using a small dose(like 1/8-1/4 tsp per gal.) I will also recommend RO/rain/distilled water to water them with.

I'm not familiar to with this particular setup but I'll give you general info...

Strong air movement is key.
Lighting is important.... levels depend on what you grow.
You will need a mist system and fogger. Mist to water the plants and fogger to keep the humidity up.

For misting Mistking makes a nice system for $99 and a ultrasonic fogger can be pick up for around $30 and a float for the fogger for around $12.

Becca · #3 01-21-2012, 01:12 AM

I have a Grand Cayman Orchidarium, you don't really need any special potting medium to grow your orchids inside of it, just whatever you would normally pot them in. I also recommend the potting mixes from repotme.com!

keithrs · #4 01-21-2012, 01:20 AM

What ever food you get make sure its high in Ca and Mg. Around 7-10% Ca and 2-3% Mg