Orchid growing equipment - Orchid Board

Gareth · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 11:16 PM

Just getting started and am preparing to put together a grow room for orchids. I need a min/max thermometer to see how my cold basement needs to be modified for orchids. I stumbled on a grow tent site and looks like they are into weed. Not me. I want to see my orchids.

Donald · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 11:01 AM

Needless to say your cold basement needs to be warm. You probably will get a slew of different answers but alot depends on what type your going to grow. I get by with temps that vary from in temperature from the low 60's to high 70's. I don't think I'd be to concerned that the tent is used for growing weed as you put it. People grow weed outdoors,in greenhouses,in cellars and lord lnows where else. Good luck in your adventure.

kinknstein · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 11:57 AM

Check out your local Home Depot for a Min Max Thermo, they usually will have quite a few to choose from. One I picked up recently is an Indoor/Outdoor MinMax Thermo with Humidity Guage, so I can measure the temp and humidty in two spots across the room, as one side of my grow area is usually a bit colder than the other.

Gareth · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 09:52 PM

Thanks Donald. I figured a younger man would have the answer. I am about to retire at 68 to grow orchids. Got to get my act together so I don't kill what I buy.

Gareth · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 09:53 PM

I have a Home Depot close to me. Will go in tomorrow and look for the combo you found.
Thanks for the heads up.

Gareth · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 09:58 PM

Forgot to mention Donald, one of my friends son was caught growing weed in an abandoned silo on the family farm. Sheriff found it on a routine search for weed. They use to grow it many years ago for hemp to make rope. It still grows wild along the fence rows. Maybe if orchids was as good a cash crop, more people would stay out of the weed business.

Orchid126 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 04:15 PM

You might also want to pick up a tabletop humidifier. I got mine cheap at the Veteran's Store. Try to get one with a two gallon container. Remember you won't need a filter.

Gareth · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 08:30 PM

Got a stupid question, orchid126. Do I put the table top hunidifier on a timer or leave it do its thing?
You can tell by the intelligent questions how much I know about orchid growing. I am learning day by day.
Thanks for the advice. I'll get one.

Gareth · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 08:36 PM

ok....I do know how to spell humidifier. I know practically nothing about growing orchids but I am willing, driven and love to grow things. All the advice I am getting I really appreciate. What a great web site the orchidboard is. I found it by accident. Even a blind sow finds an acorn now and then. Thank you all.

Orchid126 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 03:29 PM

Let the humidifier run 24/7 and refill it when the water runs out. That's why I suggested a two gal. container. A one gallon lasts approx. one day, a two gallon lasts two days, therefore you don't have to fill it as often. The bad part is it's heavier to carry. So based on your strength, get the one that will be more convenient for you.