Orchid for dart frog viv?

[Aurical]

My boyfriend and I have a dart frog vivarium that contains several plants including broms, ferns, water bamboo, riccia, etc. I thought it might be nice to add an orchid into the mix to add some more color, but I don't know what kind (if any) would work.

The tank stays relatively warm (High: ~70-80 F, Low: ~60 F) and maintains a high humidity from the water feature and fogger. There should be pretty good drainage in the substrate which is composed of a mix of bark and sphagnum layered over a false bottom. In addition to being placed in the substrate, the plant could be mounted on the back wall or on the piece of driftwood. The dimensions of the tank are 18" x 18" x 24", however the height of the tank is shortened due to the false bottom/water feature and the actual maximum height is probably closer to 19 inches.

Can anyone recommend an orchid that would be suited to these conditions/size constraints? If so, do you know of a reputable place to buy one for a reasonable price? I live in Upstate NY and would welcome any information on local nurseries as well as on-line vendors.

[tom499]

I'm not sure on those temps in celsius, but i think a masdevellia or phalaenopsis would look good. masdevellia dont get too big and have nice flowers. phals are pretty happy anywhere but are usually larger.

[Fabolusus]

I am in the process of building an orchid vivarium, and here's a small list of orchids that I've researched- Barbosella handroi, Bulbophylum laxiflorum, Haraella odorata, Pleurothallis corniculata, Pleurothallis ornata, Pleurothallis tribuloides, Pleurothallis grobyi, Angraeceum didieri, and Masdevallia Spp. BTW most of these can be found at http://www.andysorchids.com/

[pikevi]

Hi aurical.

Since they are from south america , I'd assume any orchid from the rain forests would be suitable. I may be wrong.

Please check this URL out:
http://www.wildsky.net/vivarium/evivariu.htm

What colour is yours?

Good luck.

[Aurical]

Originally Posted by pikevi

What colour is yours?

I have 3 Leucomelas or "bumble bee" dart frogs. I've attached a pic, but its was taken when they were still juveniles. Their spotting pattern is much more interesting now, and I think one or two may be a "fine spot" morph.

They're so cute. I love them... especially when they climb on the walls

[blksunsh1ne]

I think a miniature orchid would be your best bet. A phal parishii LOVES humidity(at least mine does) and they are usually mounted on tree fern and such,and smell nice.Also a brassavola perrinii does well and produces really pretty AND nightly fragrant blooms. Do you have any kind of air circulation in the tank? thats a big part in growing orchids......
These are just my own opinion and experiences. these plants work for me but they DO require some kind of air flow. i keep mine shaded outside.
Hope this helps P

[pikevi]

Thanks, Aurical.

They are lovely.

Just in case you need aeration, you could buy an aquarium aerator an dip the end of the tubing under water. It may serve to 1). 'oxygenate' the water and 2). circulate the air inside the tank.

Again, beautiful setup.

[Tobi]

Aurical,
Found this link on plants (including orchids) suitable for your vivarium.
Good luck.
P.S. I'm in Rochester.
www.doylesdartden.com/plants.html

[Aurical]

Do you have any kind of air circulation in the tank? thats a big part in growing orchids......

Right now there isn't a fan in the tank anywhere, though it really needs one on hot summer days. The lighting system puts out a ton of heat (as well as light) and could use supplemental ventilation. Sadly, a fan was ordered, but may have gotten thrown out still in the shipping box during one of my cleaning sprees.
I know that there is some air movement in the tank because when the fogger goes off you can see the air currents. Should I wait until a vent fan is installed?

Just in case you need aeration, you could buy an aquarium aerator an dip the end of the tubing under water. It may serve to 1). 'oxygenate' the water and 2). circulate the air inside the tank.

There is a pump/filter moving water up from the bottom of the tank to the waterfall that goes down the right side of the tank. There isn't an airpump to directly aerate the water, but there aren't any fish living in there currently. There used to be a Betta which seemed to be the perfect choice since he's a labyrinth fish. Unfortunately he started becoming really aggressive with the frogs anytime they would go near/in the water so he had to be relocated. I was really too bad, because he loved eating the fruit flies that fell in the water.

Thanks to everyone for the helpful info/links!

Hi Toby!

[pikevi]

That is even a better set up for aeration

The whole thing sounds like a beautiful setup for any room.

Bettas are harmless unless there is a second one in the water. I did not know that they could harass frogs.

From what I know of orchids, it will be better for you to wait until a fan is installed before getting an orchid.

Good luck.

[LouisW]

Nice setup. I too have a little tank with a couple orchids and a tree frog. My frog and orchids are fine together but i wonder if yours would have a differant effect(are they poisonous?).

Small PC fans are very compact and can be found at electronics stores for cheap(2nd hand?). They are realtively powerful and worth a try.

I might also suggest a small orchid mount. I might look nice and there should be ample humidity(Some of the mini dens are very cool).