1st Terrarium Questions. - Orchid Board

RandomGemini · #1 06-01-2014, 01:26 PM

So, I've had some problems with my poor little Dracula Lotax. I could put it in a plastic cup and all that... But a terrarium would be so much cooler and I already have the tank (Exo Terra Mini). Got the lights figured out too.

Going to use locally acquired fruit wood and a piece or two of mopani wood for a support structure for plants. I'm not planning on having many because the terrarium is small. I have a very old grape vine in my yard and it has some dead loss that needs to be cut back anyway. Can I use grape vine for this? Any special prep I need to do?

I did want to do a water feature, but I'm thinking that for my first time out, that's a bit too much, so I'll wait on doing the water feature for now.

I've seen several different ways to do the substrate. Any suggestions on a good substrate for orchid growing? I was thinking I would start with a base of clay pellets for drainage, then a layer of sphagnum moss and then maybe coco fiber?

And lastly, this is a small terrarium. It's 12x12x18. I want to automate as much as I can so I only have to perform maintenance weekly. So, would it be worth my money and time to invest in a misting system, or would a fogger do the job for me? The goal is to water plants and keep humidity high, I think 70% is where I want to be as far as humidity goes.

Thanks for any advice you can offer!