I have a single miniature orchid (Pleurothallis mathildae-likes cool temps and high humidity) in a small terrarium type set up. It's been very happy in there and has been in there for almost a year. It has a layer of rocks for a water reservoir in case I dump too much in and then sphagnum moss loosely wrapped around the roots. It stays constantly moist. I water with rain water, I have never fertilized it and am not entirely sure how I should go about that, but that's a post for another day.
I have two questions regarding my set up. For one I was wondering how often the moss needs to be changed in this sort of constantly wet environment. I assume it breaks down faster when it's always wet. Some of the moss appears to have come back to life, not sure if that makes a difference.
My other question is in regards to crowding. The container I used was just all I had on hand in my dorm room. The plant fit very nicely at the time but has gotten LOTS of new leaves, many of which touch the sides of the container. I was wondering if this was bad for the plant, should I get a larger container for it? Or do you still go by roots when deciding on the size of the container?
It's growing buds now so I won't be making changes anytime soon, I was just curious as I've never had any sort of container/terrarium before.
Here are some photos of the set-up to give you a better idea. The taller leaves that have brown spots on them are the original leaves it had from before I put it in the terrarium. The shorter leaves are what has grown since I put it in the terrarium.
Whole thing
Front
Back
Side
Above
Questions on when to re"pot" or replace medium
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