creating a terrarium for ghost orchids

[isurus79]

I dont know much about the needed conditions from these guys, but here is what I would do. Put a layer of LECA across the bottom of the tank (say 2-3" deep) and fill with water up to the top of the LECA. Then make an elevated "eggcrate" structure with above the LECA like this:


Glossostigma by Isurus79, on Flickr

Also, you will want to put some screen on the eggcrate to prevent the seedlings from falling through. You can either grow the seedlings directly on the screen (which I've seen done successfully), or mount some on various types of media, which is what I would do. I think I would try some on epiweb (or something similar) and some on bark.

Next, I would put a lid on the tank made of 3/8" (maybe 1cm thick) acrylic with holes cut in for a mistking system. Have the mistking run several times per day, depending on airflow. Like this:


DSCF5030 by Isurus79, on Flickr

Then add the needed lights on top.

Now, this is what I would do if I were in the same situation. I want to mention that the pics I've posted are of my own setups that have been working really well, but the theory has been modified for the roots only orchids.

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