AeroGarden

[Corwin]

I wonder if that could be used for orchid growth...

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Hydroponics can be a good way to grow orchids. Aerogarden is a form of a hydroponics system.

Let's say you're using a tree fern plaque and no moss to mount an orchid on. Then you water the mount. It is in essence a form of hydroponics. You could take the same plant provided it grows in a way that conforms to the Aerogarden system and grow that there. I would try it on an inexpensive Ludisia discolor (a terrestrial orchid) that's commonly sold in nurseries nationwide here in the US. Once you're comfortable enough, you can try out some epiphytes in your collection (a Pleurothallis would be great candidate).

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Actually, if I'm not mistaken you're in Germany. There are many sources of hardy terrestrial orchids in Europe.

I sometimes envy European orchid growers (even Australian ones to some degree) who grow rare and unusual terrestrial orchid species (such as Thelymitra, Diuris, Pterostylis, Satyrium, Corycium, summer rainfall Disas, etc.) that aren't available here in the US (I'm not sure why this is the case, what a shame).

Try some of the smaller hardy terrestrial orchids in it and see what results you get.

[Corwin]

I was not going to buy one (at least not in the foreseeable future). I stumbled upon an ad about that system and it looked... well... quite futuristic.
As I was looking for info about 'chidariums I wondered if it could function with orchids.

I now have an answer

[greenbean]

I have a small Aerogarden, and I have a couple points to mention.

1. Aerogardens have a water reservoir, so the orchid on a branch analogy doesn't quite work, as the plant has an opportunity to dry between waterings. However, many orchids can be grown in water culture, basically a glass filled with water. There are several threads about water culture here on OB. The Aerogarden may even solve the biggest problem with water culture, aeration, because the reservoir is actively aerated to keep the dissolved gas levels high for plant roots.

2. Disease could be a major issue. Aerogardens grow plants in tight quarters with all their roots mixed together in one water reservoir. You could grow one orchid in an Aerogarden and not worry. However, if you tried to grow more than one in the same Aerogarden, one little fungal spore, bacteria, or virus could infect the whole group. Plants would have to be extensively screened before growing them together in this way.

Just my thoughts on the matter. I'm always up for experimentation, so I say try it!

Also, about the availability of unusual terrestrials here in the U.S., the ones the "King" mentioned aren't available here because most terrestrials are very hard to grow in cultivation, especially outside their native habitats. However, the U.S. is indeed home to many unusual and beautiful terrestrial species. Washington state alone is home to over 30 species of orchids. There are also a few U.S. vendors of hardy terrestrial orchids.