Is this an invention or does it exist already? - Orchid Board

JKeys · #1 06-21-2013, 05:11 PM

So, I have had a bit of a dilemma. I wanted to set up a small, free standing greenhouse to grow my orchids in (probably 6 or 8 x 10 feet) however, being a fourteen year old, I realized that after a while of planning and hoping, there was no way I would have sufficient funds to complete this project

This is why I have designed a new device that is alike to a humidity tray, except for a few differences. I always have to move every single one of my plants out of my room to water them, and sometimes I (although inadvertently) damage my orchids. I wanted a solution to this problem, so I thought of this. I was wondering if it has already been taken, or is there something like it that exists already? Its purpose is not for humidity but rather to allow much easier watering without having to move the plants.

Please tell me what you think! suggestions appreciated!

Sorry it is sideways, couldn't figure how to rotate it

pleuro3 · #2 06-21-2013, 05:33 PM

Sounds like a neat design. I would recommend using eggcrate (usually used as a guard/reflector fluorescent lighting fixtures in a commercial setting) for the plants to sit on. Its fairly cheap and completely inert. The big box hardware stores like Home Depot usually have it in stock. Good luck with your project and let us know how it turns out.

JKeys · #3 06-21-2013, 06:45 PM

Thanks, Pleuro!

HighSeas · #4 06-21-2013, 10:24 PM

You're fourteen?!!!???? I have to say that I admire you and encourage you to continue with your critical thinking skills! I'm always impressed to see young people who have an interest in something besides video games. I mean that. I think you're fantastic!

Orchidflowerchild · #5 06-23-2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighSeas

You're fourteen?!!!???? I have to say that I admire you and encourage you to continue with your critical thinking skills! I'm always impressed to see young people who have an interest in something besides video games. I mean that. I think you're fantastic!

OMG I remeber when I used to hear that!

Enjoy being an orchid prodigy. You'll find the free plants come easily.

Hehe sucker.

-Ceci

pleuro3 · #6 06-21-2013, 11:01 PM

Hey man I was thinking about your design (I'm also young and short on cash so I understand your predicament). How about using one of those plastic storage tubs that fit under beds and drilling a hole in it for drainage. Just still a 1/4" hole, insert some airline tubing, seal it with a dab of silicone and run it into a 5 gallon bucket. Just some thoughts

JKeys · #7 06-21-2013, 11:30 PM

Pleuro, thats not a bad idea! I will try this both ways and see how it works (obviously when I get the time and when my parents can take me to the depot) and thank you so much HighSeas!!

cbuchman · #8 06-22-2013, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pleuro3

Hey man I was thinking about your design (I'm also young and short on cash so I understand your predicament). How about using one of those plastic storage tubs that fit under beds and drilling a hole in it for drainage. Just still a 1/4" hole, insert some airline tubing, seal it with a dab of silicone and run it into a 5 gallon bucket. Just some thoughts

Great idea and ingenuity! I used the standard humidity trays and drilled a hole in the side about 1/4 to 1/2 up and inserted a piece of plastic tubing into the hole. Sealed the hole with silicone caulking. The trays sit on a piece of closet shelving (wire coated in plastic) with a sliver of a shim under the front to tilt the entire tray by 1-2 degrees toward the drainage. The tubing drains into lower benches which in turn drain into a dry well. Very similar to what you are proposing!

Is you use egg crate in a plastic tub, try attaching small pieces of 2-3 inch PVC pipe to make "feet" to hold the egg crate shelf above the water line. Mine at attached using glue and silcone caulking. I'd avoid filling the bins with anything since it will greatly increase their weight and make cleaning more work.

Good Luck and let us know how it turns out