Trying to raise humidity for Haraella retrocalla

[calypsoB]

I have mine mounted but it has way more moss around the roots. I have it about an inch above water in a vase. I also water everyday-everyother day. It does not like dry moss at all. Also have you considered purchasing a cheap humidifier for your place? It could be a good way to bring up the humidity all round...

[Leafmite]

I had the same problem with humidity. For the past year and half, I have been growing mine in fully enclosed a clear plastic cube. It is mounted on a large lava rock, bare-root, and water that is on the bottom of the cube is wicked up to keep the roots moist. I add water every couple of months. These pictures are a little old but, hopefully, this will give you an idea how I am growing it. I actually ordered a second one of these as I'm so fond of them...and I have a second cube.

[Pilot]

Rosie I have globe shaped glass similar to this and they do not dry out evenly or fast for me. I'm not sure of this orchid so maybe that will be fine. I still use mine but use ecoweb cubes now as the medium but have to water more often. Thankfully I have my grow tent a wicked efficient humidifier.


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[RosieC]

Thanks for the ideas and comments guys

The really good news is that since I put it in this setup the leaves have lost their wrinkles and the new leaf has put on a growth spurt (it seemed to have stalled before).

I was looking at the plant this morning and feeling sure it was looking better, now when I compare to the pictures above I'm certain it's looking so much heathier

Based on what Subrosa said about having the base of the mount in water, I've let the mount just (really only just) touch the water at the bottom some days. That seems to have helped as well and keeps the plant moist all day. I do like it to dry slightly sometimes (though not completely like it used to do within a few hours) and so adjust the water level slightly some days to let it dry a bit more.

I'm really glad that I realised humidity was the problem for this little one

[Leafmite]

I'm so happy that it is doing well, now. Yay!

[Guido]

I am surprised not one has mentioned to you the obvious. a) the plant's leaves are showing signs of dehydration but the roots are great. SOLUTION: You need to raise the humidity by placing the plant in an enclosed environment (coffee plastic jar or mix nuts jar) Do not use a glass jar because they tend to heat up very quickly. b) The plant is upside-down. SOLUTION: One of my haraellas came positioned just like yours. The crown of the plant should point up or the plant will spend energy trying to rectify its position. It looks nice the way it is but with time the plant's new growth will make a u turn and point up. Then you will have a crooked plant. Should you use this method you will not have to worry about watering, humidity levels, disease or insects. Since 10/2014 I have my haraellas under this conditions and they are doing great. Care free growth. Check my other postings for pix of the haraellas in their tropical-condos. I hope I have been of help to you. Guido

[RosieC]

Thanks Guido,

Raising humidity is exactly what I'm doing with the old soda bottle, you don't need it enclosed at the top because humid air is heavier than dry air so it sinks and stays in the bottle.

I asked this over two years ago and I can say that the solution worked great However now it's in a glass vase (again open at the top) and the hook of the mount hangs on the side of the vase.

There are decorative stones in the bottom and always water in the bottom. Sometimes the base of the mount sits just in the water a the mount wicks the water a little. It likes that as well.

The plant hasn't tried to turn up towards the light, it seems to grow fine downwards. It's latest leaves are bigger than older ones which I take as a good sign, and if's flowered lots of times in the last two years. In fact I have a couple of photos of the last flower I keep meaning to post.

I think the mount is getting a bit old though now after a two years, it's cork and it's starting to crumble. I think I'm going to re-mount it soon.