Help with Impromptu Orchid Tank - Orchid Board

Jlor · #1 03-04-2015, 11:52 PM

Hi everyone,

Today, I inherited some orchids. They were from my grandmother (she's the one who died), so I want to ensure that I provide proper care. The problem is, I wasn't expecting them (I thought my grandfather wanted to keep them). There are three Phalaenopsis, and one "mystery" orchid. Unfortunately, this website won't let me post its picture.

I would like to know if I can set them up safely in this spare glass terrarium (it can be fully enclosed, if need be). Unfortunately (again), I'm not allowed to insert the picture. Just imagine a 25"L X 20" W X 15" H glass tank, and that's about it.

I have a bright white fluorescent tube, as well as LED lights if need be, at my disposal. I can buy a glass slab to cover the tank under its "roof" to retain humidity, and I have a small oscillating fan (meant to clip on to a desk or chair; about 6" wide) that I can use to provide a breeze in the tank. I will be buying new pots and bark tomorrow (they came in dirt). I may even install an egg crate shelf to keep them suspended.

As for watering, I plan on spraying them daily with warm tap water in the tank and a once-a-week run under the faucet. Speaking of which, is it true that the leaves have to be wiped off every time I spray them?

I am not planning to use the pebble trays, since I want to keep the inside of the tank as simple as possible while they "rehab".

It is also my understanding that orchids don't like being re-potted while blooming, so maybe I'll wait to switch in the bark/orchid-friendly pots.

Finally, I was wondering if I could get a quick ID for the orchid next to the tank. I think it's some kind of dendrobium, but I want to ask the experts!

Would this setup/care regimen be acceptable for acclimating/fixing these new orchids?

Any comments/criticisms are very appreciated! Thank you for reading/putting up with all my words.

Ordphien · #2 03-05-2015, 07:10 AM

Is there any reason you want to keep them in a tank?

Subrosa · #3 03-05-2015, 07:45 AM

Phals will do fine on most windowsills. You don't say where you're located, but in SE PA I keep them happily in north facing windows as well as in a shaded south facing window, all with no supplemental light.

---------- Post added at 07:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 AM ----------

As an apparent newbie (please correct me& accept my apology if I'm wrong) you are FAR more likely to kill a Phal with too much water and humidity than too little!

dbarron · #4 03-05-2015, 08:07 AM

Until you post a picture, we can't give much id help

I would say that misting the leaves and then wiping them off is mostly useless. In fact, I wouldn't mist the leaves on purpose at all. I do occassionally take everyone to the shower and give them a good rain storm, but the point is usually to provide moisture to the roots, not the leaves.
If the point is to raise humidity, there's other ways to do that.

Since there's no point in repeating ourselves, please see stickys and other posts on phals and their care.

wintergirl · #5 03-05-2015, 10:50 AM

Welcome to Orchid Board. Just make a few quick comments, then you be able post photos. I agree with other posters. Phals like to dry out before re-watering. Windowsil or table side is better than an inclosed place. Phals do not really need misting or water really should not be left on the leaves or in the crown of the plant. Here is a link about phals for you.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

Jlor · #6 03-05-2015, 02:36 PM

First, I want to thank everyone for their replies/information!

Ordphien - I suppose I don't have to keep them in a tank, I just have a spare one lying around that looks like a good display terrarium!

dbarron - Sorry about that, I forgot to delete the "see in picture" portion of my post when I edited out the Photobucket link...

Also, I would like to apologize for making things redundant. I had been searching the forum (probably incorrectly) for information on keeping orchids in display-only terrariums, and couldn't find anything that shed light on my specific situation.

Also, a quick trip to the greenhouse at school showed me that the unknown orchid is most likely some kind of dendrobium, which can apparently be safely mounted in my gecko's tank. I will just take it out while I mist the gecko to give it some air flow/prevent accidental leaf-watering.

Once again, thank you all very much for your help!

dbarron · #7 03-05-2015, 02:47 PM

I don't think any orchid appreciates lack of air flow. Except possibly an aquatic one

Your experience may vary.

Jlor · #8 03-05-2015, 03:07 PM

Yes, an aquatic orchid would be quite the seller!

Thankfully, the gecko terrarium (Not the display tank from earlier) has both a screen top and front-door ventilation, so it won't be completely stagnant. However, I still plan to take it out to get actual air Movement (which, in turn, is something that the gecko probably doesn't like).