Jerry, I think you hit the benefits of manual watering dead on!

As most of my collection is in S/H culture, automatic watering would be less
of an issue, as overwatering is virtually impossible, but there's always
that damned crown rot to consider.

My own setup used a pump with a pressure tank that is fed from an RO holding
tank. There are two output circuits: The first goes through dosing pumps
for fertilizer and additives, and onto hoses with shutoff valves. Squeeze
and your watering away. The other one has a solenoid valve that opens up to
the overhead misting nozzles (Pure RO misting = no spotting). Currently,
the solenoid valve is activated by an interval timer (10 minutes on) that is
started manually via an X10 device from my desk. When I go away on vacation
in the summer, I put it on a timer so it runs at 5 a.m. every other morning.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!

.. . . . . . . . . . .
"Jerry Hoffmeister" wrote in message
et...
I was just thinking as I was watering today how much time and work it was
but also how much I enjoyed it. I also end up taking a fairly close look
at
each plant - looking for insects or rot or other cultural issues. I also
often notice spikes I hadn't seen yet My indoor growing area could be
on a schedule as the temps are pretty consistant but the GH - I water
generally once a week in the winter and twice a week in the summer but
lately it's been really hot and dry so it's been every 2-3 days. Point is
I
adjust it based on what they need. The time it would be really nice would
be when I go out of town for more than 3-4 days...

"Ray" wrote in message
...
Be careful with automatic watering, it can be a sure way to kill your
plants.

Typical scenario:

It's cold and damp for days - they get watered.
It's hot and dry - nope.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!

. . . . . . . . . . .
"rajiv" wrote in message
om...
Hi everyone:

I have been thinking of installing an automatic watering system for my
orchids, and have thought of installing a misting/watering system
which will remain on for 10 -15 minutes every other day or so,
completely drenching the plants.
Any suggestions on how i should proceed to install a hobbiest, cost
effective system on a part of the greenhouse containing the orchids.

Also i would appreciate any other suggestions on different types of
watering systems that may be available apart from what i have in mind
right now..

thanks again

rajiv