Would you buy a used orchidarium?

[Miss_Cat]

I have the opportunity to purchase a used Maui Orchidarium and wanted to get second opinions.

I was told the orchidarium is in working condition and the discount is sizeable. What is holding me back is the fact that the seller has kept it in storage for a while and will have to thoroughly clean it before she sells it.
I couldn't get clarification on this and it could simply mean she stored it as is. However, a concern that spring to mind is the possibility of potential disease or virus being present after the original use, and spreading to the orchid plants I want to house in it. Since I haven't seen the item in person I am not sure of its condition.

So am I being overly cautious or would you recommend buying a terrarium/orchidarium second-hand?

Thanks a bunch!

[IncurablePlantHead]

If the only issue is cleaning (germs and such), all can be cleaned and disinfected. I wouldn't stress over that.

[Miss_Cat]

Ok, thanks!

[orchidsarefun]

what plants do you want to grow in it ? some require high humidity, a lot of the commonly-kept orchids can adapt to a lower humidity, even in Colorado ! How do your current plants do ?
I ask, because unless its an absolute bargain, you may be better off with a conventional stand.

[dounoharm]

if I had room for one of those I would jump on it, dirt and all! they are very nice. good luck with it!

[Paul]

Originally Posted by dounoharm

if I had room for one of those I would jump on it, dirt and all! they are very nice. good luck with it!

Nonsense! There's always room for something like that! Like on the dining room table (afterall who actually eats at the table these days ) or in place of a dresser (so you start storing your clothes in trunk of you car -- makes packing easier when you go on vacation) ......

Personally, I would "jump on that".

Disinfecting is really not that terribly difficult. Will you be able to check it out before handing over your $? If you are picking it up, for instance, you could request she demonstrate any motorized equipment (pump, misting system, fans, ....) to make sure all is in working order.

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[Miss_Cat]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

what plants do you want to grow in it ? some require high humidity, a lot of the commonly-kept orchids can adapt to a lower humidity, even in Colorado ! How do your current plants do ?

I ask, because unless its an absolute bargain, you may be better off with a conventional stand.

The idea was to provide a warmer and more humid environment for some of my Phals violacea and violacea hybrids, Brassia and Brassavola to get them started growing year-round rather than have them wait until summer to grow better. I use windowsills and lights in a sunroom and I also have a small tank for some miniature Angrecoids. Overall I have had good success with my setups.

You could be right. Maybe simply adding a seedling heat mat under one of my trays might provide the extra warmth needed to get those few orchids going.