Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am too lazy to consult any books at this time, but was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to species that work well in extremely humid (90%) conditions? I already have jewel orchids (three species at this time)growing out my ears and am looking for other species. I am thinking about pleuro's. Maxillaria's? Draculas are cool.

Thanks for your time.
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Justin
stk18119@loki.stockton.edu

D.auratus (Costa Rican, Nicaraguan)
D.leucomelas
D.tinctorius (lorenzo, yellowback, citro, pb, oyopock,etc.)
D.azureus
D.ventrimaculatus (yellow/gold)
D.pumilio (blue jeans, solid red)
P.aurotaenia (narrow bands/green)
P.bicolor
E.tricolor (Santa Isabel)
H. leucophyllata
P. hypochondrialis azurea
P. resinifictrix
A. caladryas
etc.......

Justin,
Anything in the pleurothallid aillance that is considered to be an intermediate to warm grower will do fine provided you have adequate light and air movement. Hoosier Orchids as well as J&L Orchids are great sources for orchids in this group as well as some other mini species and primary hybrids. Also When Dr. Eduardo Sanchez of Orchidias de los Andes is in the country he has some great stuff. Talk to Walt at Waldor for info on his lecture schedule.
Tim

If you need some specific spp. let me know and I'll try to make some specific suggestions.

Tim,
Thanks as always. I have tried some pleuro's before, but the air is probably too stagnant since hardly anything ever takes- lots of rotting on the roots. Unfortunately, I have drilled plexiglass lids to most of the breeder tanks, which keeps the humidity high, but the air stagnant. Suggestions anyone? My program is too cheap otherwise I would have a misting system with screen lids setup. Until then, I think orchids may be out of the question.

Thanks
-----
Justin
stk18119@loki.stockton.edu

D.auratus (Costa Rican, Nicaraguan)
D.leucomelas
D.tinctorius (lorenzo, yellowback, citro, pb, oyopock,etc.)
D.azureus
D.ventrimaculatus (yellow/gold)
D.pumilio (blue jeans, solid red)
P.aurotaenia (narrow bands/green)
P.bicolor
E.tricolor (Santa Isabel)
H. leucophyllata
P. hypochondrialis azurea
P. resinifictrix
A. caladryas
etc.......

i found that paphs work well and pleuros do too. this tank has a solid plexi lid covering about 70% of the top and screen covering the other 30 %. i split it so that i had screen on each end and plexi in the middle. i dont know if it makes a difference but mine are doing great and the pleuro blooms constatly and is out growing its mount. the paph is sending out babies too.i have had good luck with some mini phals like parishii (sp?). hope this helps

That setup looks awesome! Thanks for sharing....it is much appreciated. I may decide to give pleuro's another chance.

Thanks again,
-----
Justin
stk18119@loki.stockton.edu

D.auratus (Costa Rican, Nicaraguan)
D.leucomelas
D.tinctorius (lorenzo, yellowback, citro, pb, oyopock,etc.)
D.azureus
D.ventrimaculatus (yellow/gold)
D.pumilio (blue jeans, solid red)
P.aurotaenia (narrow bands/green)
P.bicolor
E.tricolor (Santa Isabel)
H. leucophyllata
P. hypochondrialis azurea
P. resinifictrix
A. caladryas
etc.......

Justin,

The following plants have been growing in dart tanks for some time with success. Most have been planted in small treefern pots (I have some for people if needed) with a basic mix of treefern, charcoal and perlite. Tank ventilation is a one inch wide space running along the back of the tank. Water is done in the morning. It is important to not water in the evening. I only grow Pleurothallids in my tanks. Before selecting plants, research 'how' they grow. You mentioned Draculas - many Draculas are pendant bloomers and would need to be mounted. Here are the following plants: Pleurothallis anthrax, Pleurothallis angustipetala,Pleurothallis acestrophylla, Pleurothallis cardiophylla, Pleurothallis stricta, Masdevallia murex, Masdevallia herradurae. Pictures can be seen at www.orchidspecies.com