Creating Air Circulation - Orchid Board

Helen · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 09:34 PM

I'd like to create air circulation by using a fan. I presume it should be kept at low speed, but my question is, where should it be placed in relation to my orchids. I know they don't like direct draft, but I'm not sure how far away, what angles, etc....any assistance here would be appreciated. Other problem is, they are in different rooms. Also, in summer, how does Air Conditioning affect them?

thanks!
FirstTimer

smartie2000 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 09:41 PM

You don't want to overblow your orchids because that can dry them out. I would say to put it on low speed.

Air conditioning in the summer makes the air less humid is what I have been told

Ross · #3 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 09:55 PM

I'm a fan (so to speak) of lots of air. I have a small fan running 24/7 in my main grow area and another in my orchidarium. I use 12 volt fans designed for this Coralife 3-1/8" Cooling Fan Kit I use 1 upstairs in main grow area

It's at upper right

And two others in my orchidarium

You can see fans at upper left inside tank and upper right outside tank. Fans are cheap and inexpensive to run.

Helen · #4 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 01:11 AM

Okay! I'm really out to lunch on this one!! Here I'm thinking a regular house fan...I am TOO FUNNY!!! I never even thought about those tiny, little guys. Thank you so much! I guess when they are that small they won't give the orchids too much draft then?
Thanks
FT

Helen · #5 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 01:12 AM

By the way, NICE orchids!
FT

smartie2000 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 01:13 AM

You would definitely save energy by using a tiny muffin fan....lol that's why I never turned on a house fan for my plants

Helen · #7 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 01:21 AM

thanks for your reply Smartie...I like the word 'muffin' fan.
LOL
take care
FT

CodiMN · #8 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 02:20 AM

Tee hee! I like muffin fans too! Check out the post in "Parts and Equipment." You can find them cheap at computer/industrial surplus stores.
--Carolyn

Djarum Black · #9 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 05:16 AM

I have two large bladed fans in my growing room area. It is probably an electricity hog (as I run them pretty much all the time) but they work okay for me. It requires some electrical work though. We had to drill through the ceiling and then run wires back to the circuit breaker.
I would agree that if your plants are in various locations of the house you'd probably want moveable fans.

Lagoon · #10 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 08:15 AM

I'm running some tower fans, some base fans and clamp on fans. I love the clamp -ons as you can also use the base anytime, it's smallish & has 2 speeds, got it at rona for 12 bucks. I LOVE IT!