Help needed - Orchid Board

zlosnicaaa2 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 04:19 PM

Hi,
I`m thinking about building an orchidarium for my orchids. It`s really hard to find any info about it on websites in my country so I decided to write here to ask for "help"

Unfortunately I don`t have any tank to switch it. I consider having my orchidarium made by glazier, or making my own by myself.
So, I have one question. To reduce costs i decided to prepare my orchidarium that way: back, top bottom, and left&right side from polywood and front made from glass.
What is your opinion about it? It is better to make it all from glass?
Sorry, my english is not as good as it should be

look forward to hear from you

s1214215 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-22-2009, 02:06 AM

Hi

I would use thick wood to make the sides, back and top with a glass front. It will give you a better insulation against temperature loss. Glass is a poor insulator. What plants do you plan to grow?

Brett

ronaldhanko · #3 (**permalink**) 11-22-2009, 02:47 AM

If it is going to be quite large you might want to consider something lighter than wood and glass - even a small orchidarium is going to be very heavy if built from wood and glass. I just finished building a second and made mine from aluminum and plexiglass. The growing area is about 52" x 30" x 28" and it stands on its own legs, but is light enough that one person can lift it.

zlosnicaaa2 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-22-2009, 03:33 AM

Thank you very much for your replies. I`ve thought that orchidarium MUST be done form glass, but as you said, I know now that it doesn`t have to.
I want to plant there some hybrids of phal. and other plants that fit ith conditions (temp., humid. etc)

Now, I have to find someone (dad?

) who will help me with it.
But, when I use wood the humidity woudn`t destroy it?
ronald, could you send some pics of your orchidarium?

s1214215 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-22-2009, 05:01 AM

If you want to waterproof the wood, use a high quality Polyeurothane (and not a water based one). You need one that you will have to use thinner to wash brushes out in. Make 3 to 5 coats on the wood. Some people use pool paint on the base of the case too.

Brett