Grow zone update!

[camille1585]

Racks like yours just don't exist here. I've yet to find an (decently priced) alternative.

I figured the Phal was a Sogo Vivien, but there some new hybrids out that look like it.

[bballr4567]

Yea, I got the variegated one for $8 last year and it was in bloom so I wasnt complaining it doesnt look perfect.

Shame about the racks. They work really well except I need to place down eggcrate but I need something to cut it with.

[camille1585]

No eggcrate here either, lol. Wish I had some though. A lot of the stuff you guys find easily is nearly nonexistent here. We really have to do a lot of searching on internet to find certain things.
Last year the supermarket was selling variegated Sogo Vivien. I hesitated in front of them, said 'nah', and then regretted it as soon as I got home. So I went back the next day after work, but they were all gone....

[isurus79]

I have actually been thinking about making a setup like this for my 'chids that are not in a terrarium. Are you worried about water dripping down to the lower levels and on the lights?

[bballr4567]

I actually covered the lights with some plastic.

Dripping only happens with the mounts as I pull all the top ones out to water and they have a water catch under the pot too.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by bballr4567

Yea, I got the variegated one for $8 last year and it was in bloom so I wasnt complaining it doesnt look perfect.

Shame about the racks. They work really well except I need to place down eggcrate but I need something to cut it with.

That must be the worst stuff to cut. I literally spent hours with a hacksaw because Home Depot refused to cut it for me.....and told me it was easy to cut. Yeah right ! I swore I would never do it again......that is until I got new racks.
If you find an easy, efficient way to cut it - please let me know. There must be a way, or a tool.

[naoki]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

That must be the worst stuff to cut. I literally spent hours with a hacksaw because Home Depot refused to cut it for me.....and told me it was easy to cut. Yeah right ! I swore I would never do it again......that is until I got new racks.
If you find an easy, efficient way to cut it - please let me know. There must be a way, or a tool.

I just use either Needle-nose pliers (with the cutting edge) or Diagonal pliers. It's pretty easy and definitely faster than using a saw.

[billc]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I have actually been thinking about making a setup like this for my 'chids that are not in a terrarium. Are you worried about water dripping down to the lower levels and on the lights?

I use the same sort of shelving unit as Josh. I keep the plants above the lights on cookie sheets. It stops the dripping from hitting the lights and also makes it easier to water. I just bring the cookie sheet with the plants on it to the sink.
Your set up looks great Josh.

Bill

[bballr4567]

Thank, Bill. I still havent cut the egg crate.

Another update though. I currently have 8 orchids in spike! Only 2 of them were bought in spike so 6 are respikes for me. Super happy with my success and I only hope my summer bloomers will spike this year as well.

[silken]

My hubby uses some power saw to cut my egg crate stuff. He does it easily. I'm not sure which one but a skill saw might work fine.

Your set up looks real good!