Orchids that do well in terrariums.

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by Ross

I find a few things to be concerned about. First there is a big difference between Orchidarium and Terrarium. You are correct for the terrarium, but very few orchids will do well under moist stagnant air. One that will is Dyakia hendersonianium. Most need some air exchange and breezes to inhibit rot and mold. Algae is another thing to combat with orchids due to the high levels of nitrogen and light. An orchidarium usually enjoys some air exchange, constant air movement - often enough to blow the plants about, and high humidity (sometimes over 90%) I have no problem growing nearly any Angraecoid and also grow several Dendrobiums that need high light. I also tried a Tolumnia (the question above) which rotted. In answer to the Tolumnia, I would grow it bare root and out of the misting but exposed to the fan. I plan to try one again under these conditions. Tolumnias will grow and flower under t5 florescents just fine, but roots have to dry off at night.

My comments on Toumnia is entirely limited to its being considered for a terrarium for which we run an exclusive thread. What we can grow in an orchidarium is a different subject altogether. You do have many attractive showy ground orchids like Anoectochilus, Goodyera, Macodes, and Hamaera which are also known as jewel orchids that do well in breeze-exclusive terrarium containers. I also observe that most of other subscribers to the thread agree about the unsuitability of Tolumnia for a terrarium due to its xerophytic form of growth.

[andy83]

Well,

On the thought of Tolumnia in the vivarium I would say that it would work out but only in certain types of tanks and only in certain positions.

Most of the time Tillandsia(non orchid) are not typical inhabitants of vivariums. However, with proper light, placement and most importantly air circulation, I've seen it done. Same goes with Tolumnia.

I'm going to try a Tolumnia in my next tank and maybe my current one so that I can speak from experience but a lot of people equate terrarium/vivarium with stagnant conditions and with computer fans and other goodies, that does not have to be the case.

So, I would say that Tolumnia is in the "difficult" category of vivarium/terrarium growing.

[orchid lover]

I am new here. what is VIV? Pardon my ignorance. orchid lover

[Dorothy]

VIV = vivarium

[orchid lover]

what is a vivarium? Sorry!

[Dorothy]

A vivarium is an enclosure where one grows animals (for example, frogs, lizards) and plants.
A terrarium is an enclosure where one grows plants.
An orchidarium is an enclosure where one grows orchids.

[Tindomul]

Ahh, and let us not forget the ever cool Paludarium, where one grows terrestrial plants and animals in the same enclosure where you grow aquatic plants and animals.

[CoolPhrog]

you just HAD to throw THAT wrench in there didn't you, Tin?

[Tindomul]

I had to because I recently got very interested in converting my 55 gallon Viv into true Paladuarium.

[CoolPhrog]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

I had to because I recently got very interested in converting my 55 gallon Viv into true Paladuarium.

Oh, I can't WAIT to see pictures of that!!! How far along are you in the planning?