My sanctuary - Orchid Board

gixrj18 · #1 07-04-2007, 03:55 PM

[Until I get the green house built in the next couple months, this is where the babies call home. I hung reed grass like mini-blinds in conjunction with clear plastic, makes for a pretty good light filter and helps with humidity. I rolled up the plastic on four panels about a foot from the ground for ventilation. I also left a small panel open (no plastic) above the door with a small exhaust fan. Installed misters on ceiling, controlled by a humidistat, which mist the air and the concrete whenever it gets below desired humidity. Plan on trying ultrasonic foggers for this in the greenhouse.

Ross · #2 07-04-2007, 11:01 PM

There's no question to me, that you are a successful grower. Nice area(s) and nice blooms. Thanks for sharing.

philoserenus · #3 07-05-2007, 12:13 AM

do those bamboo shades let enough light through for most orchids to grow behind them? i have a bare due-south window looking for some new orchid-friendly shading ideas

thakshila smith · #4 07-05-2007, 01:06 AM

thanks for sharing. can get ideas.

Shadow · #5 07-05-2007, 02:09 AM

Nice!

cb977 · #6 07-05-2007, 08:19 AM

Oh! I love your setup!
It's great when it comes together and looks that pretty

Thanks for sharing

gixrj18 · #7 07-05-2007, 05:10 PM

Thank you, all. To answer Nick, with the reed grass alone ,there is still a small amount of direct light coming in, but it's pretty broken up. Probably good for Catts, Dendrobs, Vandas, and other light-loving orchids. However, I have found that the reed combined with clear plastic does wonders for everything from Paphs and Phals on up to Vandas and Epi's. You can get the reed grass at Home Depot, it comes in a 6' x 25' roll. I had to cut the wire wherever I wanted to split it. It's best if you cut the wire in the middle of a reed and remove that reed in order to leave wire long enough to twist back together on both ends. They can be shortened in width by rolling it up and cutting it with a chopsaw. If you don't have access to a saw, the reeds will cut one at a time with tin snips or maybe utility scissors, but it might take a while. I hung them from 3 eye-hooks that I opened with a pair of pliers and closed up as many reeds as possible inside, seems to be holding so far. Anyway, I'm getting long-winded here ,the roll is about $23 ea.....Contact me if you have any questions, good luck!

philoserenus · #8 07-06-2007, 01:34 AM

home depot eh? hmm, seems like i'll go there for a peak when i get more free time later on in the summer =) thanks for the heads up and info. so far wat im doing is just shading the top-half portion of the window with normal blinds and that seem to be ok so far too ^^ but i like the reed grass idea, i will definitely have a look at it ^^

Djarum Black · #9 07-06-2007, 03:23 AM

I'm just curious what type of misters your using? I was looking for something that would produce a spray so slight it won't slick the floor. I don't know much about those products in general though so I'm nervous about buying anything.

gixrj18 · #10 07-06-2007, 08:06 PM

I use a .5gph barbed fogger from the Depot's irragation section. I have searched far and wide for the finest mist and these have been the best I've found so far. I even tried everything the hydroponics store had to offer. Although it does put out a very fine mist, pretty much everything I've seen will wet the floor, unless you mount them higher than 10-12 ft.. Then, I imagine it would have more time to disperse before it hits the ground. You might want to try an ultrasonic fogger like I plan on doing. You can get them on ebay ($20 or so for a small one.) Since orchids have the ability to absorb water and nutrients right out of the air, add water soluble nutrients to the water for the fogger, and you may never have to water again. Or at least not as much, therefore, reducing the chance for algae and fungus.