My first try on a Vivarium

**Simon** · 31st Dec 2006, 19:55

I hope it doesn't look to bad to any of you. Its a orchid vivarium with moss, of cos. Initally, I had more ideas of a waterfall then while setting it up, I realised I didn't have enough room for all that idea. Also the potting soil is too wet to my liking (bad workmanship with silicone

), so I might have to remove the orchids if there are sign of distress. Substrate is clay pellet, spagum moss, potting soil and now perlite to elevate the plants higher (got to add more when they are available)

**benny** · 31st Dec 2006, 22:20

Well, it's a good start. Let's work on the aquarium soon. I just reworked mine with some help from CK.

Cheers,

**Simon** · 31st Dec 2006, 22:46

actually, I have another 1ft vivarium on the way. Siliconed the tank this afternoon. I finally visited NA after my 1.5yrs disappearance this afternoon as well

**Justikanz** · 1st Jan 2007, 23:31

Don't plant the jewels... I think the stems do not enjoy the soil being too wet...

I simply placed mine on the soil and let the root slowly attach the plant... those I planted earlier all rotted...

**Simon** · 1st Jan 2007, 23:59

I already elevated the substrate, should be good enough to make them happy, will post some updates tomorrow. I went to carrefour and got a few packs of perlite. I failed miserably DIYing a flow channel in my 1ft, in the end I gave up

hot from camera. apologise for the messy tank, thats how it looks like at night, I bring plants in to enjoy the air conditioning

**Wild Ginger** · 2nd Jan 2007, 11:06

Ahhh, such a lovely setup and FINALLY someone who also appreciates the beauty of jewel orchids. They're one of my favourites besides the slipper orchids. Simply luvvvvv them. And i see a Phrag Pearcei in the corner there. Those guys when in bloom simply have one of the most amazing flowers ever.

But i would be a little bit worried though as i don't see any ventilation as they need quite a fair amount of fresh air coming in now and then.

Looks like i have to pay a trip to Woon Leng's again and get more "slippers"!! hehehe !

Regards,
Phillipe.

**Justikanz** · 2nd Jan 2007, 12:57

This reminds me... Maybe I should really get that terrestrial orchid at Thompson...

**Simon** · 2nd Jan 2007, 13:13

phillipe, ya, I'm also quite worried about the phrag, maybe install a dc fan for fresh air intake

thomas, forget about going to thomson.. head to Woonleng and Song

, I will be glad to show you the way, if you provide the transport :P

btw, there is a plant sale at SBG this coming sunday, WL will be there. if you want any orchids, do email them

**Justikanz** · 2nd Jan 2007, 13:20

Oh goodie goodie!... An outing!!

I am ok for Sunday noon and I should be driving this coming Sunday!

Let me know... Heh... I would love to try the terrestrial orchids... Seems to be easier than the normal ones...

**Simon** · 2nd Jan 2007, 13:50

you probably have an extra passenger, my mom.. haha (if you don't mind), right now WL has quite a selection of jewels. if you don't want to drive to sungei tengah, you can always get them to bring the plants to SBG. PM me if you need their email address

**Justikanz** · 2nd Jan 2007, 13:57

Sungei Tengah is ok for me this coming Sunday. And your mum will be a great advisor.

We arrange this via PM or MSN lah.

Hmm... More vivariums?

**Wild Ginger** · 2nd Jan 2007, 15:49

I'd personally vouch for Woon Leng (WL) and Song's. They're pretty much got me some of my rarer slipper orchids. No hassle of bringing them back here to Singapore.

hmmm... Botannical Gardens, my favourite place. Am i too late to join in the excursion? Always loved the Ginger Gardens and their extensive collection of Phrags and Bromeliads alike in the Orchid Garden!! ( Plus it's sooooo near my house !! )

Regards,
Phillipe.

Just to add.... orchid collecting can be VERY VERY VERY ADDICTIVE!! so be warned... hehhehe

**Simon** · 2nd Jan 2007, 16:03

for those curious to see how the phrag pearcei flower looks like

picture from Slipper orchid Alliance

Phillipe, WL has a Phragmipedium sp. which is very nice, but requires low temp

. I must go to your place to look at your slippers one day

**Wild Ginger** · 2nd Jan 2007, 16:19

oh why must ya tempt me with more Phrags!!! so tempted to go there!! Sure, sure ya can come over, but right now they're just finished or almost finished blooming though. If this keeps up, I might just have to convert my guest room into a highland greenhouse for more Neps and Highland Phrags.

I heard Phillipines is one of the last few countries which has a few of the rarest Phrags around. Not to mention its cool climate and amazing biodiveristy of plant life there.

Regards,
Phillipe.

**Simon** · 2nd Jan 2007, 16:52

at least you can afford to run your air-con 24/7. my mom like to know what is your bill like

too bad my Filipino colleagues don't know much about orchids, or else I would asked them to carry back some for me

**Wild Ginger** · 2nd Jan 2007, 22:05

haha, running the entire house on air conditioning 24/7 has to be my dad's idea for sure. Apparently he doesn't like it too warm. But it sure has good benefits for me, no need for chillers for my tanks and it's been great so far for my orchids and neps alike.

As for the bill monthly,... *cough cough*... let's just say it's around 5++... haha

Regards,
Phillipe.