I'm about at that point where I need to expand my Lowland Nepenthes grow area and I'm looking for input to help me avoid possible problems. I'm currently growing them in Exo-terra 24" X 18" X 18" tanks, I've already had to cut a few vines due to height problems and now I'm getting close to the 18" horizontal limit. I'm not as concerned about the height as I am with the width, I really don't mind having to cut a vine but I'd like them to be able to grow larger overall.
I would prefer to overbuild the next one so I have some grow out space but at the same time I can't get crazy. I will NEVER be able to sell my wife on the grow tent idea, even the really expensive fancy ones she will not go for so those are out. I also failed at convincing her to allow me to turn a room into a terrarium . Being in TX an outdoor greenhouse is completely impractical and when we looked into a sunroom it just doesn't make sense right now.
So far the best option seems to be building a custom terrarium I'm thinking around 48" L X 24" D X 30" H, the extra height would be to allow for a 6" water reservoir. I could go much larger if there was a good pre-made alternative I have not thought of, but keep in mind she would not let me put a fancy tent up so I'm sure using one of those "shower" units would be out too. It will have to look nice in the end. Due to medical issues I really need front opening doors when I have "flare-ups" so reusing aquariums is not a good option.
I'm open to all input at this point as I'm still in the early planning stages and construction will likely not take place until the late Spring. Right now I'm mainly concerned with the physical structure and will worry about the lighting/humidity/heating/whatnot after I figure out the structure.
I would prefer to overbuild the next one so I have some grow out space but at the same time I can't get crazy. I will NEVER be able to sell my wife on the grow tent idea, even the really expensive fancy ones she will not go for so those are out. I also failed at convincing her to allow me to turn a room into a terrarium . Being in TX an outdoor greenhouse is completely impractical and when we looked into a sunroom it just doesn't make sense right now.
So far the best option seems to be building a custom terrarium I'm thinking around 48" L X 24" D X 30" H, the extra height would be to allow for a 6" water reservoir. I could go much larger if there was a good pre-made alternative I have not thought of, but keep in mind she would not let me put a fancy tent up so I'm sure using one of those "shower" units would be out too. It will have to look nice in the end. Due to medical issues I really need front opening doors when I have "flare-ups" so reusing aquariums is not a good option.
I'm open to all input at this point as I'm still in the early planning stages and construction will likely not take place until the late Spring. Right now I'm mainly concerned with the physical structure and will worry about the lighting/humidity/heating/whatnot after I figure out the structure.