As a member of the Vancouver Orchid Society, I attend cultural classes where we receive a lot of useful tips about orchids, how to take care of them and so on. Today, I would like to share with you information about a place organisation for your lovely orchids. So, what should you take into consideration?
The first decision for growing orchids is where and how to organize that space.
1) How big.
2) Existing lighting
3) Electricity
4) Water
5) Work surface (counters and floors)
Housing.
This is where are you going to put your plants. The best use of space is to use a shelving system so there are multiple layers of plants.
The draw backs of shelves are all but one has height restrictions and watering issues. This is the top shelf which can still be too close to the ceiling.
Shelving materials have some basic requirements.
Strength. They need to be capable of holding the weight of plants and saturated media.
Water penetration resistant. Water penetration can cause loss of strength, premature degradation and corrosion, depending on the material.
Water blocking/retaining. Shelves usually need to block the passage of water to lower shelves. Diseases and insects can be moved by water, so a steady rain of material to lower shelves is not desirable. Lights may also not be sealed and will need protection. Retention of the water will be needed when your floor is not designed for water with drain.
Removable - to allow cleaning and maintenance if needed.
Adjustable - to allow for different plant heights.
Materials.
Wood.
- for approximately 4' widths strength will be adequate.
- will need a water resistant coating.
-can warp and crack
- will need a lot of thoughts to allow for water retaining.
Plastic.
- usually fixed sizes, and can be pricy for modded trays.
- may not come with a way to drain.
- can warp from heat.
- can dream down from UV.
Metal.
- grating type shelving will require a barrier to stop water going through.
- formed metal pans can be expensive and may need drains inserted.
- depending on metal type corrosion can be an issue.
- if you are building from rolled material you will need a support.
Eavestrough.
- eavesthrough can be spaced over a support material.
- may limit number of plants but good for phalaenopsis.
- and pieces need to be added
- can work well for a wall install .
Epdm rubber.
- needs to be combined with a support material.
- easy to work with and lots of attachments from the pond industry.
- black is the easiest to get a hold of, still looking for other color suppliers.
Heavy sheet plastics.
- used as liner for other materials.
- inexpensive material, will need to be replaced fairly frequently, so labor becomes a factor.
- no specific water handling attachments, but pond ones may work.
Sizing shelves.
- your space and your determination to use every bit of it will influence the size.
- 4' fixtures and shelving are pretty standard for commercial carts and lighting
Lighting.
Lighting is the most complex, controversial and mis-represented topic. It appears very few companies are willing or capable of giving information needed to properly determine correct lighting, included an understanding of the biology.
What is often quoted is the light absorption vs photosynthesis rate as a function of absorbed wavelengths.
Another pigment which we do not associate with photosynthesis is beta carotene. When added in to the mix there is closer match to the photosynthesis to absorbed wavelength.
This whole area is still a very active scientific pursuit. If you remember the photosynthetic rate vs adsorbed wavelength curve, judging lighting requirements is probably a little easier
There are some examples of shelves that I`ve found in the Internet. Unfortunately, my Orchid Space Organisation is not perfect, I`m working on it, and collecting all this information and pictures in advance :-)
I really like this option above!
This one is very convenient.
I would put this one in the balcony.
I like this one too.
Also, i want to show you an orchid place organizing of one of our members.
There is everything in a very limited space: humidity, air-movement, and lighting sets.
HUMIDITY AND AIR MOVEMENT IN ORCHID CULTURE.
The first decision for growing orchids is where and how to organize that space.
1) How big.
2) Existing lighting
3) Electricity
4) Water
5) Work surface (counters and floors)
Housing.
This is where are you going to put your plants. The best use of space is to use a shelving system so there are multiple layers of plants.
The draw backs of shelves are all but one has height restrictions and watering issues. This is the top shelf which can still be too close to the ceiling.
Shelving materials have some basic requirements.
Strength. They need to be capable of holding the weight of plants and saturated media.
Water penetration resistant. Water penetration can cause loss of strength, premature degradation and corrosion, depending on the material.
Water blocking/retaining. Shelves usually need to block the passage of water to lower shelves. Diseases and insects can be moved by water, so a steady rain of material to lower shelves is not desirable. Lights may also not be sealed and will need protection. Retention of the water will be needed when your floor is not designed for water with drain.
Removable - to allow cleaning and maintenance if needed.
Adjustable - to allow for different plant heights.
Materials.
Wood.
- for approximately 4' widths strength will be adequate.
- will need a water resistant coating.
-can warp and crack
- will need a lot of thoughts to allow for water retaining.
Plastic.
- usually fixed sizes, and can be pricy for modded trays.
- may not come with a way to drain.
- can warp from heat.
- can dream down from UV.
Metal.
- grating type shelving will require a barrier to stop water going through.
- formed metal pans can be expensive and may need drains inserted.
- depending on metal type corrosion can be an issue.
- if you are building from rolled material you will need a support.
Eavestrough.
- eavesthrough can be spaced over a support material.
- may limit number of plants but good for phalaenopsis.
- and pieces need to be added
- can work well for a wall install .
Epdm rubber.
- needs to be combined with a support material.
- easy to work with and lots of attachments from the pond industry.
- black is the easiest to get a hold of, still looking for other color suppliers.
Heavy sheet plastics.
- used as liner for other materials.
- inexpensive material, will need to be replaced fairly frequently, so labor becomes a factor.
- no specific water handling attachments, but pond ones may work.
Sizing shelves.
- your space and your determination to use every bit of it will influence the size.
- 4' fixtures and shelving are pretty standard for commercial carts and lighting
Lighting.
Lighting is the most complex, controversial and mis-represented topic. It appears very few companies are willing or capable of giving information needed to properly determine correct lighting, included an understanding of the biology.
What is often quoted is the light absorption vs photosynthesis rate as a function of absorbed wavelengths.
Another pigment which we do not associate with photosynthesis is beta carotene. When added in to the mix there is closer match to the photosynthesis to absorbed wavelength.
This whole area is still a very active scientific pursuit. If you remember the photosynthetic rate vs adsorbed wavelength curve, judging lighting requirements is probably a little easier
There are some examples of shelves that I`ve found in the Internet. Unfortunately, my Orchid Space Organisation is not perfect, I`m working on it, and collecting all this information and pictures in advance :-)
There is everything in a very limited space: humidity, air-movement, and lighting sets.
HUMIDITY AND AIR MOVEMENT IN ORCHID CULTURE.
Comments are welcome:-)
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