Ghost Orcid terrarium question

[jvasel]

Hello all. I am new to this board. I will be reciving a Ghost Orchid that I won from an auction soon. For a terrarium, I have a fairly large aquarium to keep it in as of now (about 20 gal). I will get something smaller when I have more money to do so. I believe this orchid comes already mounted on a piece of wood. Should I put some sort of substrate in the aquarium with it. Is there a substrate that retains water well and keeps rel. humidity high? Also, ghosts thrive in stagnant conditions. Any suggestions on a light source that I could use for providing a constant temperature and how do I maintain a constant humidity? Thanks in advanced for any feedback

[greg_s]

Justin, I keep my ghost in a 19" apothecary jar. I have lined the bottom of the jar with a type of rock called diatomite. This kind of rock holds roughly 200% of its weight in water and releases it slowly keeping the humidity high. I would suggest covering the top of the aquarium but not completely. Maybe 2/3. They like stagnant air but not necessarily stale air. Lighting is something that I am currently experimenting with. Since it grows in a shady swamp area I am thinking that keeping it a phal light levels would probably work (~1000 lux). A full south window exposure might be too much. I am keeping mine in a shadow of a south facing window (at ~800 lux) and it seems to be ok, but like I said before, I am still experimenting with this. Temperature is something that I haven't had much trouble with so far. If I keep the house at 65-70 degrees, it is usually about 70-80 in the jar.

Other things you might want to keep in mind:
1. Watch for mold!
2. Spray it VERY lightly if your climate demands it
3. Watch for mold!
4. buy a nice balanced fertilizer and cut it to about half strength (weakly weekly)
5. Watch for mold!

Good luck and keep me updated on how it goes

[jvasel]

I don't suppose you have a photo of your Ghost and it's habitat setup do ya greg_s?

[greg_s]

I can post one for you tonight but I'll warn you...its not very impressive.

[greg_s]

Here is a picture of my ghost orchid and the jar setup as requested.

If you notice the grey box off to the left side of the jar, it is a little digital thermometer/barometer. I highly suggest buying one. It will be your best friend.

[jvasel]

Thanks greg! It's much appreciated

[greg_s]

No problem. Good luck with yours. You'll have to post a picture when you get it.

[jvasel]

I defineately will.