Increasing Humidity in a Room - Orchid Board

jenmonkey · #1 08-09-2010, 01:25 AM

So, I'm looking for a way to localize an increase in humidity in my bedroom for the humidity- and light-loving orchid area I have set up, and I'm looking for input on ways to do so.

I have two Zygopetalums, one Cattleya (L. Tenebrosa hybrid), a Max. Tenuifolia, and an Oncidium "Sharry Baby" in the room.

Of course I can buy a $200 humidifier like the one I bought for the bathroom as a supplement for the ultra-high humidity plants I have in there. However, my husband and I sleep in the bedroom (duh), and it might become uncomfortable to jack up the humidity in the entire room, even with the oscillating fan.

I've heard about trays of water, and I have a small bowl of water and river rocks by the orchids, but my hygrometer doesn't register much of a change at all as a result. (+1% at most) I'm knocking around the idea of switching to S/H with a heating mat, but I thought I'd entertain other options in the meantime.

As an artist, I'm very concerned with visual design elements in my plants, so I bristle at the idea of yet another ugly plastic humidifier in the room with beautiful paintings, furniture, and orchids. So, I was thinking of mounting a wall fountain on one of the walls surrounding the orchids. Not only would it be visually beautiful, but the sound of the trickling water would be soothing as well, and, if I'm correct, would raise the humidity just in that one corner by around 5-10%. I need to go from an average of 55% to an average of 65%.

What do you guys think? Anyone done this and have tips or feedback to share? I figure, the good humidifier is $200, the wall fountain is $250, so it's down to effectiveness and aesthetic qualities as deciding factors...

Help me decide!

-Jen

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 08-09-2010, 01:32 AM

There are very affordable humidifiers available. Have they received bad product reviews?

Growing more plants that require a lot of moisture together might help out.

If your bathroom is well lit, that could solve the problem too...

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #3 08-09-2010, 01:42 AM

Something similar to the wall fountain has been done.

Particularly with orchids such as Disa longicornu.

But Disa longicornu naturally grows on cliff faces with dripping water.

So if you manage to find an orchid that grows in a similar fashion that is much easier to get a hold of than Disa longicornu, such as certain Phrags, it might work.

Btw, Disa longicornu is not a plant that is widely grown in cultivation. They're only in a few people's private collections.

Ray · #4 08-09-2010, 07:26 AM

As you have discovered, a static water source like a tray or bowl does little to enhance humidity (read Evaporation for the explanation of why).

Switching to semi-hydroponics won't do much more than a tray, and I don't think it's advisable to keep them on a heat mat 24/7, primarily because it's going to require a LOT of extra watering.

stefpix · #5 08-09-2010, 10:47 AM

30 dollar humidifier? something on sale at Target? if you do not like the design you can hide it behind a potted plant with large leaves...

jenmonkey · #6 08-09-2010, 11:20 AM

If I'm going to go with a humidifier, I'm going to shell out for the Air-O-Swiss that purifies the water and "sanitizes" it. I'm concerned with mold and with pathogens being aerial-sprayed onto my plants and myself. I have a cool-mist one for the bathroom (AKA my high-humidity, low-light region) and it is sturdy, nearly silent, and reliable. But, I want to see if there is a way to keep the humid area more localized to just the top of the dresser in the one corner where I've got my 'chids. That's why I was thinking of a wall fountain there.

King, did the wall fountain do enough by way of humidifying, or would you still recommend the ugly humidifier?

I have the two Zygo's, the Max., and the L. Tenebrosa all grouped together, and only the Sharry Baby stays across the room on another dresser. I think that helps to keep them all more humid.

I'm torn... I'm clearly leaning towards the fountain for aesthetic reasons, but I don't want to drop that kind of cash and drill giant holes in the wall for a 2% humidity change. Sigh.

stefpix · #7 08-09-2010, 01:26 PM

Probably the Air-O-Swiss humidifier looks way better than most indoor fountains!
you could have an outdoor fountain / pond if you have a garden and then you will have sun light, air / breeze, humidity and your plants will grow a lot happier.

I put a hard cane Dendrobium on my roof after an initial one leaf burn it got used to light and started growing a ton of roots that the ones I have indoors can only dream about.

Anyway if you have a garden / yard you can place orchids under taller plants to get some degree of shading. Anyway your Cattleya and Maxillaria probably would benefit from a bright outdoor vacation. Even the Oncidium. Outdoor shade seemd brighter than bright indoors. Unless you have soem sunroom etc.

Melody · #8 08-11-2010, 05:46 PM

Ok, so this is probably a bit unconventional, and I haven't been growing for that long... But I've been using a Fantasy Anion humidifier (pic: http://www.aidandtrade.com/member/am...idifier_80.jpg).
It's very artistic and adds to the decor...(I already had one before I got into orchids). I've set it up right next to them and have a non-oscillating fan set on low that is aimed at an angle at the wall to create an air current that first bounces off the wall then hits the humidifier and softly blows the humid air across the orchids. The plants closest to it get more humidity and it drops off rather quickly (within a few feet). In a way it's kind of similar in sound and such as having a fountain.
There is a down side though: It doesn't hold a lot of water. I find I have to fill it in the morn. then again in the evening.

Connie Star · #9 08-11-2010, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody

Ok, so this is probably a bit unconventional, and I haven't been growing for that long... But I've been using a Fantasy Anion humidifier (pic: http://www.aidandtrade.com/member/am...idifier_80.jpg).
It's very artistic and adds to the decor...(I already had one before I got into orchids). I've set it up right next to them and have a non-oscillating fan set on low that is aimed at an angle at the wall to create an air current that first bounces off the wall then hits the humidifier and softly blows the humid air across the orchids. The plants closest to it get more humidity and it drops off rather quickly (within a few feet). In a way it's kind of similar in sound and such as having a fountain.
There is a down side though: It doesn't hold a lot of water. I find I have to fill it in the morn. then again in the evening.

That is amazing! But when I clicked on the link, it just showed the picture. Do you have a link to the supplier?

Tindomul · #10 08-11-2010, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody

Ok, so this is probably a bit unconventional, and I haven't been growing for that long... But I've been using a Fantasy Anion humidifier (pic: http://www.aidandtrade.com/member/am...idifier_80.jpg).
It's very artistic and adds to the decor...(I already had one before I got into orchids). I've set it up right next to them and have a non-oscillating fan set on low that is aimed at an angle at the wall to create an air current that first bounces off the wall then hits the humidifier and softly blows the humid air across the orchids. The plants closest to it get more humidity and it drops off rather quickly (within a few feet).

I was just about to suggest an ultrasonic fogger, which I assume is what makes the fog in your device. I use them for my Masdevallias.