Orchids that do well in terrariums.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Kwazarr

I've recently set up a viv in my place with some smaller epiphytic orchids in it. A couple that I've been finding that have been doing well there is Dendrobium kingianum and Restrepia condorensis. I don't have pictures of the first but it has been putting on new growth a fair bit in the past couple of months. The Restrepia bloomed within a week of placing it in the viv and has 2 more on the way already!

Enjoy!

Ross.

Great that it bloomed! Nice display. Oh, no! Not another Ross

Regards, Ross

[Kwazarr]

Hey Ross! My, what a good name you have! I'm rather fond of that name myself! hehe Good to meet you! Today was actually my first time on the board and upon noticing this section, I thought it'd be good to post here for the first time! Anyways, I hope that the one I posted keeps liking it where I've put it. I'm somewhat new to the orchid scene. I'll be sure to keep everyone in the know about how things go from here tho!

Cheers,

Ross.

[9.debra]

I am a beginner with my first orchid. It is a Tolumnia. Does this type of orchid do well in a terranium enviroment.

I am interested in setting up a terranium for other plants, too.

Thanks,
9.debra

[CoolPhrog]

Originally Posted by 9.debra

I am a beginner with my first orchid. It is a Tolumnia. Does this type of orchid do well in a terranium enviroment.

I am interested in setting up a terranium for other plants, too.

Thanks,
9.debra

How big is your oncidium? Do you have any pictures you can share?

I don't have any oncidiums in my vivarium but I'm not sure it would be an UNacceptable environment for them... You could certainly try it but track how well (or not so well) it's doing...most onc. like bright light so make sure the lighting is appropriate. What type of fixture will you be using? How deep (or tall) is the terrarium you'll be housing the plant in?

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by 9.debra

I am a beginner with my first orchid. It is a Tolumnia. Does this type of orchid do well in a terranium enviroment.

I am interested in setting up a terranium for other plants, too.

Thanks,
9.debra

Tolumnia, if I am not wrong, is the rechristened old pet equitant oncidium. They are high light demanding and need plentiful of breeze, which I wonder one can provide them in a terrarium. Moreover, the spikes grow etilolated and blooms spaced out in a terratrium unlike in the open where they bloom in tight clusters. Weighed against these factors, I rule out Tolumnia for terrariums. You may try Oncidium Twinkle Fragrance.

[Reba]

Hello, Those orchids look very nice. Is that a fish tank on end with a glass modified door on that would be the top of the tank? If Not do you think doing something like that would work?

I just set up a 20gallon fish tank with sand in the very bottom and PrimeAgra over the sand, then I put several differant orchids in/on the PrimeAgra with some water, then put Spagnum moss and coconut husk (i think that is what it's called) around the orchids and slighly over the edges of the pots in which most of them have PrimeAgra in them as well. I thought doing all of that would help with humidity. The tank is on a stand and the window is @ 2 feet away with the sun light coming in from the west, however the tank is on the south wall. I check the orchids every morning and mist them. When I see that the Spagnum moss is drying up I water a little bit more then just misting. What do you think? Do you have any suggestions for me?

Thank you to anyone with suggestions.

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[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by Reba

Hello, Those orchids look very nice. Is that a fish tank on end with a glass modified door on that would be the top of the tank? If Not do you think doing something like that would work?

I just set up a 20gallon fish tank with sand in the very bottom and PrimeAgra over the sand, then I put several differant orchids in/on the PrimeAgra with some water, then put Spagnum moss and coconut husk (i think that is what it's called) around the orchids and slighly over the edges of the pots in which most of them have PrimeAgra in them as well. I thought doing all of that would help with humidity. The tank is on a stand and the window is @ 2 feet away with the sun light coming in from the west, however the tank is on the south wall. I check the orchids every morning and mist them. When I see that the Spagnum moss is drying up I water a little bit more then just misting. What do you think? Do you have any suggestions for me?

Thank you to anyone with suggestions.

It is a good idea to use fish tank as a terrarium. Your medium is good enough for growing orchids. Once you have planted and given a good spray of water mixed with a mild nutrient such as Schultz or Phostrogen thoroughly wetting the plant and the medium, you need not open the glass lid of the fisf tank. Try not to leave any gap while covering the top both to exclude insects and fungal spores. Terrarium are supposed to recycle their own trapped moisture to create an intimate micro-climate of their own for the plants. There will be little need to spray them thereafter.

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[Ross]

Originally Posted by R Srinivasan

It is a good idea to use fish tank as a terrarium. Your medium is good enough for growing orchids. Once you have planted and given a good spray of water mixed with a mild nutrient such as Schultz or Phostrogen thoroughly wetting the plant and the medium, you need not open the glass lid of the fisf tank. Try not to leave any gap while covering the top both to exclude insects and fungal spores. Terrarium are supposed to recycle their own trapped moisture to create an intimate micro-climate of their own for the plants. There will be little need to spray them thereafter.

I find a few things to be concerned about. First there is a big difference between Orchidarium and Terrarium. You are correct for the terrarium, but very few orchids will do well under moist stagnant air. One that will is Dyakia hendersonianium. Most need some air exchange and breezes to inhibit rot and mold. Algae is another thing to combat with orchids due to the high levels of nitrogen and light. An orchidarium usually enjoys some air exchange, constant air movement - often enough to blow the plants about, and high humidity (sometimes over 90%) I have no problem growing nearly any Angraecoid and also grow several Dendrobiums that need high light. I also tried a Tolumnia (the question above) which rotted. In answer to the Tolumnia, I would grow it bare root and out of the misting but exposed to the fan. I plan to try one again under these conditions. Tolumnias will grow and flower under t5 florescents just fine, but roots have to dry off at night.

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[Tindomul]

Hi Ross, I have one Dyakia hendersonianum that is doing very well in high light, high humidity and lots of air movement, and heat. I had one that was constantly moist, with low air circulation. That one died.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Hi Ross, I have one Dyakia hendersonianum that is doing very well in high light, high humidity and lots of air movement, and heat. I had one that was constantly moist, with low air circulation. That one died.

Yeah, mine has good air circulation, not stagnant, and is in spike. What I meant was it will tolerate lower circulation and high moisture and shade better than any other orchid I know.