Hanging Glass Orb Terrariums? - Orchid Board

RandomGemini · #1 09-28-2013, 04:36 PM

I'm not sure where to put this because it's not directly orchid related, but the other day I was at a local nursery and saw several of these things and thought they were just beautiful. They are miniature terrariums the size of Christmas ornaments with a tiny live plant inside.

I wondered if anyone here had tried to keep one and if they'd had success with them.

I'm planning out my window garden for my office and thought one or two of these would be interesting to add to the garden. It would be even cooler if I could grow an orchid in one, but somehow, I get the feeling that this would not work out, because these orbs are tiny and even the smallest mini orchids I've seen would outgrow one of these things in a year. Still, having something that isn't an orchid inside a little terrarium like this would be interesting!

I just don't want to get sucked into a gimmicky fad that I can't maintain long term. I'd like this to be a plant I could keep alive and happy inside the container.

Thanks for the info!

Ordphien · #2 09-28-2013, 05:00 PM

What kind of plant is it?

My local nursery sells near the same thing.
Glass orbs with a small hole up top for maintenance. They also have but they are about the size of a... really large grapefruit? My head? Lol... bigger.
So if you not confident with the small one maybe make your own out of a larger one.

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RandomGemini · #3 09-28-2013, 05:33 PM

It's some kind of succulent but I didn't get to see which one it said on the tag. I'm a bit of a klutz and they had several of them grouped together, so I didn't want to cause a disaster by wading in there and peeking at all the tags. LOL!

These orb things seem to be done with a succulent, some sort of moss, or an air fern depending on the effect you're going for.

Ordphien · #4 09-28-2013, 07:49 PM

Well I know there are several succulents that wouldn't outgrow a container that small for a very long time so it might just be worth it.

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AnonYMouse · #5 09-28-2013, 10:16 PM

I have one, sitting empty on a shelf. LoL

I tried a micro orchid in it but within days took it out. It was PIA.

Like anything and everything, just need the right plant.

RosieC · #6 09-29-2013, 11:23 AM

I had a plurothalid orchid in one once. It did well for 18months, but then I had it in the wrong place and it overheated and killed the plant.

I think that's the main risk, is them overheating in the sun or the wrong place.

I still have the orb and plan to try something in it again at some point.

RandomGemini · #7 09-29-2013, 11:54 AM

I was planning to place this in my window where I have my other orchids now. I was thinking it would look neat with a few mounted orchids. I've found these suction cup hangers for humming bird feeders and they put some distance between the window and the hanging device. So the terrarium would be hung in the window, but about three inches from the glass.

I do have a built in blind in this window, so I can dim the light if need be. Rosie, which one did you keep in yours? Any particular recommendations?

I'm keeping phals in the space right now. This space will be fairly dim this winter, so something that would do well in phal light levels would be ideal. I was considering a dracula of some kind. I think that they might do well with the conditions I can provide here. I really like dracula lotax and was thinking it might be small enough to grow this way for a little while, then transfer to a bell jar style terrarium later when it got larger.

cbuchman · #8 09-29-2013, 12:16 PM

RandomGemini, Search the OB, I recall a detailed thread about someone growing mini/teacup phals in these orbs with great success.

RandomGemini · #9 09-29-2013, 12:42 PM

Can you recall any more details about the thread? Not having a lot of luck finding it.

Thanks!

cbuchman · #10 09-29-2013, 01:00 PM

Sorry. I can't find it either. Maybe the person will self identify.

Here is what I recall. Was using the clear plastic orbs with the little phal sticking out and facing downward (as they grow in nature). Issue was keeping the plat secured into the container. Though I have seen some some with holes that could be used to secure the phal. Could also put a small piece of cork into the orb that the phal could latch on to to anchor it. Also some Sphag in the orb for moisture retention.

If you decide to do it, show us pics and updates on your success