Interested In Setting Up A Beginner Terrarium - Orchid Board

Dene · #1 (**permalink**) 12-22-2008, 05:28 PM

Hi, I am interested in setting up a terrarium. For my first one, I was wondering what you would recommend to use. Also, what types of orchids should I use? My orchid collection (obsession) includes Vandas, Masdevallias, and Cymbidiums.

Thanks for the suggestions and Merry Christmas!

Magnus A · #2 (**permalink**) 12-22-2008, 05:52 PM

Ooh!
The Vanda´s and the Cymbidium usually grows very big! The orcidarium for those then needs to be a large one.
If you can handle the temperature I would go for a Masde. orchidarium. They usually do not need as much light and usually thrives if you can lower the temperature during night time.
I would also suggest to look into the Lepanthes and Pleuretallis to accompany the masdevallia´s!
Good luck
Magnus

kavanaru · #3 (**permalink**) 12-22-2008, 06:25 PM

as Magnus said, if you can lower the temps during the night time, go for Masdevallia and Pleurotallis... if not, I would go for Bulbophyllum and Aerangis, as well as some other warm growers... if you check my Vivarium set in Flickr, there is a list of plants I have in my new Vivarium, which I expect would work for temps ranging from 20 to 24°C. I still need to let it run longer to have a final opinion on the suitability of these plants for the vivarium. However, as per my reserach, they should be ok

Ross · #4 (**permalink**) 12-22-2008, 06:41 PM

I'll agree with both of these guys. A orchidarium (tank) will run pretty humid and not get all the fresh air that outdoors would. This will be fine for Angraecoides like Aerangis and Angraecum and also certain Draculas (if the temps are on the cool side). Orchidariums are fun to play with, but not for the beginner. Every step with an orchidarium is equal to several steps with normal growing orchids. I hope you join us in trying this new world, but please be aware that you might have some learning curve. Space tends to be an issue. Also, most of us grow our "tank" orchids on mounts to leave the roots exposed to air and humidity. Lots of things are different. Do some research and when your ready, ask away.

Paul · #5 (**permalink**) 12-26-2008, 09:28 PM

I'll "4th" that motion.

Determining what kind of temps you can easily provide is an important determinant as well as just how big a terr you're considering.

Also do you want to have a terr that is primarily functional or pretty to look at (landscaped)?

Dene · #6 (**permalink**) 12-29-2008, 05:47 PM

Thanks for the replies. I am becoming interested in the miniature Orchid varieties and was wondering what would be the best type of environment to look after them. As a beginner, what would you recommend I start with?

Ross · #7 (**permalink**) 12-29-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dene

Thanks for the replies. I am becoming interested in the miniature Orchid varieties and was wondering what would be the best type of environment to look after them. As a beginner, what would you recommend I start with?

Did you read my article on setting up an orchidarium? http://www.orchidboard.com/Setting-u...om-Orchidarium Once you decide the group you want to persue, then that will dictate the temps and humidity you need to provide. I decided on Angraecoides, early on. So I needed to be able to provide really high humidity and average temperatures (65-80 F) If you have the space and want to go after larger plants that are not so humidity demanding, then you'll need a really big tank, but the seal won't be so critical. Get it? Ask away.

ChrisJGreen · #8 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dene

Thanks for the replies. I am becoming interested in the miniature Orchid varieties and was wondering what would be the best type of environment to look after them. As a beginner, what would you recommend I start with?

If you are going for warm and highly humid, then i would recomend Doritis and also Ludisia.

The most important thing is air movement, so make sure to sort out a fan before you even get started.