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Indoor Greenhouses or Terrarium or Orchidarium
ALL MODELS FOR ORCHIDARIUMS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Experience the joy of growing carnivorous plants and
orchids in your home or office.
Light, temperature, humidity, air movement - together with water: these are
the elements that grow orchids , carnivorous plants in the wild...and
in the Acrylic Indoor Greenhouse, a wardian case or terrarium for your home
or office.
Given that each plant group has its own preferred, fluctuating environment,
the Acrylic Indoor Greenhouse allows you to monitor and regulate each of these
elements easily.
Light
When growing under fluorescent light you will learn that experience, not what
you find in books, is your best guide to appropriate brightness for a particular
plant. Keep in mind that most recommended foot candle numbers in publications
refer to peak sunlight periods, i.e., the max of varying natural light in
a day, and are really recommendations for greenhouse growing. Because the
foot candles of artificial lighting are constant, the amount needed from dawn
to dusk is much less than the peak sunlight figures indicate. It can mean
as much as 2,000 foot candles less. You will burn your plants if you use the
foot candles recommended for greenhouses, guaranteed. The plant will tell
you if it has too much light: stunted growth, lots of pigmentation in leaves,
and stiff, hard leaves are all warning signs. Lighting in the Orchidarium
is controlled by the lamp fixture you choose, by where you place the individual
plant in relation to the lamp, and by the addition of strategically placed
pieces of shading material (see Accessories) under the fixture.
Among the Acrylic Indoor terrarium/greenhouse models are options for single-,
double-, or triple-lamp fixtures that offer varying ranges of light within
the units (see illustrations). Measured in foot candles this fluorescent lighting
may provide low, medium or high overall light.
Foot candle output readings correspond to (left to right): Maui and Fiji,
Borneo, Bimini. Dashed lines refer to Bimini units only.
The low light of 350 foot candles is a good starting point for most seedlings,
most 2"~3" nepenthes, masdevallias, phalaenopses and paphiopedilums,
pleurothallids, and aerangis. Medium light (600-800 f.c.) will serve some
3"~and larger nepenthes, cephalotus, most cattleyas, some laelias and
dendrobiums, ascocentrums equitant oncidiums and sophronities. The high light
of 900-plus f.c. is appropriate for venus fly trap, sarracenias, rupicolous
laelias, some encyclias, some dendrobiums , vandas.
In general, any range of fluorescent lighting calls for the following seasonal
adaptations in length of daylight: Spring, 13-14 hours; Summer, 16 hours;
Fall, 13 hours; and Winter, 11.5 hours. Because many plants including orchids
are photo-periodic, they need increased or decreased light to send out flower
spikes (Some species flower in response to changing temperature).
The lamps themselves each have a life expectancy of about two years. Each
fixture is UL-registered. The efficiency of the reflector, rated at 95% reflectivity,
ensures maximum effectiveness . Its angles are computer-calculated to augment
the light down the side walls of the shell. Plants that love high light do
very well on slabs and drip-shelves placed close to the lights.
Temperature
The temperature in the Acrylic Indoor Greenhouse/Terrarium/Orchidarium derives
from the ambient temperature of the room in which
it is placed and the heat generated by both the lamp and the ballast of its
light fixture. A warm ballast offers a minimum of 5 degrees and a maximum
of 15 degrees over ambient temperature (with triple lamp). Appropriate for
warm growers, it is needed in cool homes in winter. A cool ballast, 0-4 degrees
over ambient temperature (with double lamp), is appropriate for cool growers.
We recommend a maximum summer temperature for warm to intermediate plants
of 85 degrees. For cool to intermediate plants a summer high of 75 degrees.
You may need an air-conditioned room or a cool basement to maintain these
maximum guidelines.
When the lights are off at night, the temperature slowly drops to the ambient
temperature. By adjusting the vent slots, you regulate the diurnal temperature
range for your selected plants' best performance. In addition, roof, ceiling
and door venting can capture or release the heat from the light fixtures as
needed. The digital temperature/hygrometer sensor allows you to monitor day
and night temperatures, in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. (See illustration).
Humiditiy and Air Movement
Water held in the bottom tray and sponge (see Accessories) maintains humid
conditions. Also, the more plants you
have and the more you mist and water them, the highter the humidity will go
(we open and close our doors at 1/8 inch increments to regulate humidity).
You can further regulate humidity by venting the air through the roof and
ceiling openings of the case. The temperature/hygrometer sensor reads the
humidity. Mounted inside the case, it displays the numbers clearly. Because
the sensor records high and low readings, you may remove it and review those
highs and lows that have occurred since your last check/reset.
You can expect noticeably increased root growth and vigor within days of placing
your plant in the Indoor Greenhouse/Terrarium or Orchdarium. Relative humidity
is maintained between 60% and 80% humidity in most of Polymer Indoor Greenhouse
/ terrarium or orchidarium wardian cases..
The fan creates the continuous air movement your plants need. From its position
on the ceiling, it circulates 50 CFM in the Fiji, and 75 CFM in the Maui and
the Borneo (the grating of the shelves allows for total circulation). The
fan is UL-registered and grounded for your protection. With a life expectancy
of 6.7 years of continual use, ball-bearing construction and an attached foliage
guard, this is a quality cooling fan. Removing the foliage guard will further
incrase air movement.
NOTES FOR NEW GROWERS:
Water
Always use distilled, rain, or reverse-osmosis water. Well water must be analyzed.
Softened water will kill your orchids quickly and chlorinated city water may
kill some orchids slowly.
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The Azores is
our response to the orchid and Sarracenia and Nepenthes lovers who have the
taller growing plants and want the benefits of our micro-climate technology
for their particular collections. It features a 40 inch high growing area
and plenty of lighting for great results, even on the lowest shelves.
The Azores Model is fabricated of heavy-guage brushed stainless steel (like the Grand Cayman) and tempered glass for the sides and doors. The rear panel is quarter-inch thick clear acrylic, which allows for various accessory access holes. Its bottom tray is fitted with a heavy-guage plastic liner for easy cleaning. Three lighting fixtures are provided with The Azores, each containing two 21 inch bi-axial light bulbs, each rated at 4800 lumens, 55 watts, for a total of six light bulbs. The Azores also includes two muffin fans to provide good circulation and humidity retention. As with the Grand Cayman, an air-input system is provided with stone bubblers placed in the tray reservoir to supply humidified air. The egg-crate shelving is designed for maximum versatility to meet your collection's needs. A green screen is included for slab-mounted plants. This unit should last for decades with minimal care.
Includes: A 23" x 31" lowest-level shelf, a mid-shelf approximately
11" x 18", and a 9" x 12" shelf, 2 fans, dust cover, 6
plug electric strip, grounded timer, acrylic cleaner with cloths, stainless
cleaner, a long and short drip-control shelf with hangers, an aeration pump
with filter stone, temperature/hygrometer sensor with memory, and slab hanging
screen. Assembly instructions included.
Outside dimensions: 32 inches wide x 24 inches deep x 46 inches high.
Azores Unit
Model AZ.703 DISCONTINUED
*
When paying by Money Order, or
Check (subject to clearance). Please add Shipping & handling to cost of products. Credit Card
Add 3% to total. Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks or more lead time as the Orchidariums are made to order and subject to availability of materials.
Inquire for shipping & Handling within continental USA
Constructed of twin-walled polypropylene.
Lightweight, rugged, non-scratch surface resistant to water, mildew and algae;
unaffected by most chemicals. Optimum light stimulation for your plant population
and additional insulation against over-warm, cold or air-conditioned ambience.
Recommended for compact plants and slabs, warm or cool growers. Grows futuristically
in a dark room.
Includes: Two large shelves, one small shelf, two shelf stands, muffin
fan and temperature/hygrometer sensor with memory, seven Phillips head screws.
Easy assembly.
Dimensions: 24.5 inches wide x 21 inches deep x 35 inches high.
Single-Lamp Unit
Model Bo. 301
Includes lighting hood with single 39-watt biaxial fluorescent lamp.
DISCONTINUED
*
When paying by Money Order, or
Check (subject to clearance). Please add Shipping & handling to cost of products. Credit Card
Add 3% to total. Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks or more lead time as the Orchidariums are made to order and subject to availability of materials.
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Glass-like acrylic
case. Stunning presentation. Great for taller plants, longer rooted slabs and
longer stem plants. Designed to show off plants in low humidity environments
of home or office. From all four sides it offers a different view of your collection
as it thrives. The lighting from the hood draws attention to the case and creates
quite a bright focal point in a room...add the color and fragrance of orchids
in bloom and it is irresistible. J-bar on the three sides for hanging slabs
and optional 3 inch x 24 inch seeding shelf with drip guard.
Includes: Two large shelves, one small shelf, two shelf stands, muffin
fan and temperature/hygrometer sensor with memory. Assembly instructions included.
Dimensions: 24.5 inches wide x 21 inches deep x 32.5 inches high.
Double-Lamp Unit
Model Ma. 202
Includes lighting hood with two 39-watt biaxial fluorescent lamps. DISCONTINUED
Triple-Lamp Unit
Model Ma. 203
Includes lighting hood with three 39-watt biaxial fluorescent lamps. DISCONTINUED
* When paying by Money Order, or
Check (subject to clearance). Please add Shipping & handling to cost of products. Credit Card
Add 3% to total. Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks or more lead time as the Orchidariums are made to order and subject to availability of materials.
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This is newest Orchidarium
design. The Bimini is ideal for varied collections, accomodating your taller
growing orchids & tall Sarracenias with plenty of space for minis, compots
and slabs.
Optimum lighting conditions for your plant population. Rear section constructed
of twin-walled polypropylene helps reflect light from the 3M silverlux reflector
while protecting your plants from direct, harsh sunlight. The Bimini provides
a beautiful backdrop for your plants with the perfectly clear acrylic front
section to allow an open view of your collection.
Rear section twin-walled polypropylene is lightweight, rugged, scratch resistant;
resists water, mildew and algae, and is unaffected by most chemicals. Slots
and J-bars on three sides allow for hanging slabs and optional drip guard shelves
and slab hanger grids.
Includes: Two large shelves, one large shelf with acrylic drip guard,
one small shelf, two shelf stands, muffin fan and temperature/hygrometer sensor
with memory. Assembly instructions included.
Dimensions: 24.5 inches wide x 21 inches deep x 37 inches high.
Double-Lamp Unit
Model Bi. 402
Includes lighting hood with two GE 39-watt biaxial fluorescent lamps. DISCONTINUED
Triple-Lamp Unit
Model Bi. 403
Includes lighting hood with three GE 39-watt biaxial fluorescent lamps. DISCONTINUED
* When paying by Money Order, or
Check (subject to clearance). Please add Shipping & handling to cost of products. Credit Card
Add 3% to total. Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks or more lead time as the Orchidariums are made to order and subject to availability of materials.
Grand
Cayman
This is newest Orchidarium design, ideal for larger varied collections, accomodating
your taller growing orchids & tall Sarracenias with
plenty of space for minis, compots and slabs.
The growing space offers optimum lighting conditions for larger plant populations, by using up to size 21", 4800 lumen, high intensity, bi-axial lamps. It is constructed of tempered glass and acrylic panels framed by an attractive brushed SS base and fascia. Heavy gauge plastic liner fit into the bottom tray for easy cleaning. A versatile shelving package comes with the unit, including five white egg-crate reinforced shelves, capable of many different configurations. The case maintains an excellent high-humidity environment (55%~98% RH) for all tropicals. For slab-mounted plants, a large green hangin screen similar to hardware-cloth, is provided. The grand Cayman will accomodate large specimen size carnivorous plants, Cattleyas and dendrobiums, Cncyclias and Epidendrums, tall spiked Paphs and other species that need high growing spaces.
In an air-conditioned room, the case will allow a dazzling array of cool growers like Nepenthes villosa & rajah, Draculas and other cool growing species. Once the Grand Cayman is yours, the only limitation to great exotic plant growing is your imagination.
Includes: A large mid-level shelf and two smaller shelves with acrylic drip guard, slab haning grid for three sides, two quiet circulation fans and temperature/hygrometer sensor with memory, timer, and power strip. Assembly instructions included.
Outside Dimensions: 48"inches wide x 24inches deep x 42 inches high.
Four Lamp Unit
Model GC. 502
Includes lighting hood with four 55-watt biaxial fluorescent lamps. DISCONTINUED
Six-Lamp Unit
Model GC. 503
Includes lighting hood with six 55-watt biaxial fluorescent lamps. DISCONTINUED
* When paying by Money Order, or
Check (subject to clearance). Please add Shipping & handling to cost of products. Credit Card
Add 3% to total. Please allow a minimum of 3 weeks or more lead time as the Orchidariums are made to order and subject to availability of materials.
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