Quote:
Originally Posted by wisdomseeker
How's your nano project doing?
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Thanks for asking, sorry I’ve been slow to reply. I finished planting the nano yesterday, I think, I may add a few cuttings of Drockrillia torresae if I can make myself cut the plant!
This nano has been a bit difficult and very different than my other Exo Terra due to the small size, especially the depth. I found the Zoo Med light and love it BUT it’s 6500K and this tank is not very deep. I’ve added a bit of shade cloth materials, we’ll see how this works in the next few days. All of the plants are ones I already owned, already growing under 6500k, just not as close to the bulbs. For now, if the plants show any signs of too much light, I’ll remove them. As much as I enjoy “playing” with this, I’ll not sacrifice a plant for my enjoyment.
Final placement of the nano may make a huge difference. If I decide to place this little tank in a fairly bright location, the lights won’t be used as long so ...
Most of these plants require low light. That has been my issue. Again, they have grown well for me (most of them) for at least a year with this same amount of light and have flowered. I’m just going to have to watch them, carefully.
Anyway, as for the setup: the Exo Terra background had to go. I had a pretty large piece of 1/2 round cork bark and broke it into pieces. Then I puzzled it together to try and make a background I could be happy with. I ended up gluing 4 pieces together for the back and used a single piece at the right side just because I liked the way it looked. This cork had some natural pockets that I’ve used to plant a couple of plants in. I think I want to add Drockrillia torresae to the top of this right sides cork piece as it is screaming for something up there!
I used Zoo Med clay balls for the floor and added forrest moss on top. The two plants on the floor are potted in net pots for easy removal. Everything in here can be easily removed if necessary.
My initial hold up...Macroclinium aurorae! I had to have this awesome little plant. I first saw one at a show in October of 2017 and could not get over the tiny plant with the beautiful flowers. The plant I wanted was in J&L’s display and the only one they had with them at the show. Cordelia told me I could order one, so I did! My plant arrived healthy and gorgeous. It began flowering two weeks ago, and still has two flowers just hanging on. It is the coolest little orchid! I waited to plant this tank as the aurorae was my inspiration and I wanted to display it properly.
A second little treasure in here is Trisetella strumosa. It is potted and doing well. This plant came from Glass Box Tropicals, it adjusted well and will be a great addition to this tiny tank.
Everything else Ive had for some time. The Trichosalpinx chamaelepanthes is simply cuttings from a larger plant.
This is the plant list for now:
Lepanthes calodictyon (recovering after near loss) YAY!
Trisetella strumosa
Sigmatostalix unguiculata
Macroclinium aurorae
Drockrillia lichenastrum, small
Dryadella cristata
Zygostates alleniana
Trichosalpinx chamaelepanthes
Next up: Drockrillia torresae cuttings
Excited to have this planted finally and in awe over the perfection of these tiny tiny orchids.
Here are a few pictures:
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