How to make a Humidity Tray

How do I make my own humidity tray?

Humidity is essential to healthy orchids – as explained here. I recommend these humidity trays from rePotme if you were to buy them. I have two stands already but since my orchid collection has expanded I wanted to save some money by making my own humidity trays (as shown above). It's easy and actually quite pretty.

Here is what you will need;

1. A bucket of rocks. You can use beach or river rocks, basically any rock you find aesthetically pleasing.

2. Find the right platter or tray. You can use literally anything that will hold water (Tupperware/saucer/ice cube tray) and is large enough to hold the base of your orchid pot.

3. Water.

Put it all together… Easy as 1-2-3

1. Clean the rocks with hot water (NO soap). Place them level in the platters/trays (rocks work well in trays because they are sturdy enough to hold your plant up while allowing water to pool in your tray).

2. Fill with water to just below the tops of the stones. Remember that YOU DO NOT want your orchids to be wet at their roots (as explained in the link, orchid roots will rot and die placed in standing water).

3. Place your orchids on top of rocks…not touching the water.

And Your Done!

Note: Make sure the water in your tray is regularly filled up. Check more frequently in the summer because the water will evaporate quicker.

Hope that Helps,

Hannah

Feel free to leave comments or questions.

 

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Humidity and Orchids

Do orchids need humidity?

*Above picture is my orchids on humidity trays

 

Orchids LOVE humidity! The natural environment of an orchid is a hot, humid and rainy jungle. In this environment orchids are naturally designed to have their leaves funnel rain and humidity down to their roots.

Because of their need for humidity, I place my orchids on humidity trays. As the water in the humidity tray evaporates, it rises thereby increasing the humidity around the plant. Humidity trays allow water to collect in the base while the plant is suspended ABOVE the water, so their “feet” aren't wet. Orchids do not like to have their roots and the bottom part of their pots soaking in water. Most house plants like water left in their saucers. NOT ORCHIDS, their roots will rot if this happens and they will die!

Orchids are also very social, in that they benefit from being close together because this helps to raise the humidity among the plants. Orchids love humidity and air movement. Just think about where they normally live! Try to have a good balance of humidity and air movement. Not too much and not too little:)

You can buy a humidity tray or you can make one from a pan filled with stones. I purchased the three tier tray from rePotme and I also have made my own.

If you live in a super dry house you may even want to put a small humidifier near your orchids. I can going to try this over the summer:)

Hope that helps,

Hannah

Feel free to leave comments or questions.

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