No pics, but an idea to share for drainage

[SheilaJ]

I'm too lazy to post pics, but I'd like to share an idea I came up with.

I have a banquet table under a 400 watt grow light. I use two huge drainage trays that are actually sold to go under a washing machine. I used to have eggcrate in them from my pre-orchid days, but that wasn't tall enough to keep the bottom of the pots out of the water when I watered everybody.

I bought some small closet shelves that look like this (although I bought them cheaper at Target):

Medium Long Wire Stacking Shelf

Now I can dash in there in a rush before or after work, flood the orchids, and leave the water in there. I put a few drops of physan in the trays to keep down the ickies. The water helps keep the humidity up, so the humdifier runs less. By the time I need to water again, the runoff water has mostly evaporated.

My orchids are doing so much better now, because they are getting more water more often.

[JennS]

Sounds like a great idea. Thanks for sharing!

[Swamper]

WOW I just found out just how visual I am. Sheila Im the laziest person in maybe not the world but I could compete if there were lazy olympics...I'd really love to see the pics...try?
30 seconds to get the right pic
30 seconds to locate usb cable
15 seconds to download
3 minutes to resize
= a lot of greatful guys

[kavanaru]

a different option also very helpful http://www.orchidboard.com/Watering-...-orchid-grower

[Ross]

I was thinking exactly the same thing - in fact I am starting a new project for a new grow area for my extra t5 florescent fixture. It will have a plastic tray that drains into a large bucket, much like the one in the article. Thanks, Ramon.

[kavanaru]

...and believe me, it works Superb! that's how I have my trays...

[Grandma M]

For extermly lazy people, like me, get a small pond pump from Lowes so when your bucket is full, you can pump it into your sink.

Marilyn

[SheilaJ]

OK, finally here is a photo of my setup, at long last! It only took two hours to boot up the cranky ancient computer that still has the camera software, upload and edit the backlog of pictures, transfer to the laptop, learn how to post pics on this forum, upload them here, edit a few times cuz I goofed... But you guys are worth it!

 

[Ross]

Sheila, the only thing I would change is substitute mylar film for the white background. It will increase the amount of light from the sides by a huge amount. You can get it here: Reflective Polyester Film 1mil x 48" X 25ft. I use this myself and it works. You can drape it, staple it, tape it, etc.