Low Humidity Problem - Orchid Board

Lenka · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 10:26 AM

Hi guys,

hope someone can help, or rather give an advice. I seems to struggle with low humidity for my chids. Or rather in the summer as the temeruters are high outside so it's dries out the air and in the winter (october - march), when i have to have heating on. I have humidiefiers on the radiators + extra bowls with water sitting directly on top of radiators. I also placed little bowls with water in between plans ( there are all togeather) but the present humidity is still only around 39 - 41. The temerature in my flat is at the moment around 21c during the day and 16-17 in the night.
Is there some other way how to raise the humidity other then quit my job and become `Orchid Sprayer`

Thanks,

FinnBar · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 11:00 AM

I'd try connecting an aquarium air pump to a few air stones and place those in your water bowls. they'll provide surface agitation which increases evaporation rate = humidity.

Lenka · #3 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 03:30 PM

Hi FinnBar,

thank you for the reply. Just one more question - we used to have aquarium so i have vague idea what it suppose to do, but is it easy to construct the thing as i am not very technical... but willing to have a go

Ross · #4 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 03:57 PM

Lenka, did you see my article on retrofir aquarium? http://www.orchidboard.com/Setting-u...om-Orchidarium

FinnBar · #5 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 04:52 AM

Lenka,
it's easy. you'll need an air pump, a few meters of hose and an air diffuser aka a bubbler. if you want to connect several diffusers you'll also need a T-piece or something for the hose. you can get everything from an aquarium shop. also if you explain them what you have in mind they can demonstrate how to do it. the only tool you'll need is a pair of scissors. if it's possible place the diffusers to a depth of around 10cm or deeper. you'll get more agitation then.
if you have an old fish tank, i'd also consider converting it. it's easier to maintain high humidity in an enclosed environment.

Lenka · #6 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 05:25 AM

Thank you guys,

will have a bash at it this weekend - I am thinking some home made water features for now. But seriously considering some enclosed space project for this summer (I need to convince my boyfriend about it being a good idea and perhaps promise to improve cooking skills as bonus hehe

).

CodiMN · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 12:07 AM

Hmm, another way to help you orchid roots hold some moisture is to put some sphragum moss on them. It helps to retain some moisture and is pretty cheap.

Also, I bought a little mini-mist fogger from the people at Orchids Limited. I put it in a small bowl by my orchids and it helps by making fog and spits a little bit of water up too. I also put some plastic around my orchids too to help keep the humidity higher. Orchids Limited's website is here: Orchids and Orchid Supplies (this was a little more expensive about $50 US).

Lenka · #8 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 06:19 AM

Hi CodiMN,

I think you just solve my problem - many thanks

I have found supplier here in London and might have it tomorrow yippie!! Don't think this one comes with the timer though, but that can be solved with external one. One more question; i do have all my chids on wooden furniture -will the fog affect the wood or shell I cover it just incase? another one more question; how long do you recommend to leave it on for? If you could please let me know the way you use it so I get a little idea before disaster occurs (very likely with me) Thanks one more time!

shakkai · #9 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 06:27 AM

Another idea - without the use of electricity! - would be to place sponges in the bowls of water you have. Keep the water level at a height were about half of the sponge is out of the water. The sponge will soak up the water in the bowl, and all of the little air holes in the sponge help the water to evaporate faster.

I agree that it is much easier to keep humidity levels up if you have an enclosed space. I don't know what the weather is like up in London, but just checking the local forecast for Winchester, relative humidity outside is 'low' today at 79%, but the rest of the week its back up around 95% - 96%. Inside my house it is 10-20% lower than the outside ambient RH, but inside my tanks it easily averages 80% or higher.

Lenka · #10 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 08:09 AM

Hi Shakkai,

i know, humidity in London is very similar, but not in my flat with heating on

- i do struggle to keep it above 40% and i don't really overheat my place. Can't wait for March to come! Even last summer (and we didn't have a proper hot summer) humidity in London was +- 55% so inside even lower.
I really would like have some enclosed space for my babies in a future....