How to Grow Orchids in a Terrarium
There are at least 25,000 native species of orchids, according to Gustave Schoser, author of "Orchid Growing Basics." Orchids grow in warm tropical climates. Some prefer temperatures that vary only a few degrees from day to night. Others thrive with a 15 to 20 degree variance. Some prefer temperatures as cool as 60 degrees, while others, like phalaenopsis, prefer warmer spaces. Growing orchids in a terrarium allows you to control their environment.
Test the terrarium to make sure it's waterproof. Fill the bottom few inches with water, then empty it.
- There are at least 25,000 native species of orchids, according to Gustave Schoser, author of "Orchid Growing Basics."
- Growing orchids in a terrarium allows you to control their environment.
Wipe down the inside of the terrarium with a solution of 1 tsp. household chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water. Let dry. This gets rid of any disease, mold or fungus that might be left over from previous plants.
Spread a 2 inch-thick layer of small stones on the bottom of the terrarium.
Put the orchids in their pots on the stones. Cover the pots with additional bark if you want to hide the pots.
- Wipe down the inside of the terrarium with a solution of 1 tsp.
- Spread a 2 inch-thick layer of small stones on the bottom of the terrarium.
Fill the terrarium with 1 inch of water. Do not let the water reach the bottom of the orchid pots. The water serves to increase the humidity. Orchids prefer humidity between 80 to 100 percent. If the pots are sitting in water, their roots will rot and they will die.
Place the terrarium where it will receive the light required by the type of orchid you've planted. A space that gets bright indirect light, but not hot sunlight, is a good choice for most orchids. Some orchids prefer more light than others.
- Fill the terrarium with 1 inch of water.
- Place the terrarium where it will receive the light required by the type of orchid you've planted.
Water the orchids by removing them from the terrarium and placing their pots in a container filled with room temperature distilled water for 30 minutes. Stir the water vigorously right before watering the orchids to add oxygen. Water once a week. Let the orchids drain for 30 minutes and then replace in the terrarium.
Fertilize the orchids once a month using a fertilizer specially developed for orchids.
Tip
Place a thermometer in the terrarium for the first few days and check it often. Glass retains heat and you don't want your orchids to cook. The temperature in the terrarium shouldn't be above 80 degrees during the day. Different orchids have different requirements.
Warning
You might be tempted to plant the orchids directly in the terrarium rather than in pots. If you do you run the risk of the orchid dying. Orchids need their roots exposed to the air.
Related Articles
References
- "Orchid Growing Basics"; Gustav Schoser; 1993
Resources
Tips
- Place a thermometer in the terrarium for the first few days and check it often. Glass retains heat and you don't want your orchids to cook. The temperature in the terrarium shouldn't be above 80 degrees during the day. Different orchids have different requirements.
Warnings
- You might be tempted to plant the orchids directly in the terrarium rather than in pots. If you do you run the risk of the orchid dying. Orchids need their roots exposed to the air.
Writer Bio
Katie Jensen's first book was published in 2000. Since then she has written additional books as well as screenplays, website content and e-books. Rosehill holds a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. Her articles specialize in business and personal finance. Her passion includes cooking, eating and writing about food.
