Question: I have an apartment with north windows only. Can I grow an orchid? I also have an aquarium, 12 by 12 by 24 inches with heater, light and glass cover. Could I make a terrarium with it? RB, Va.
Answer: Cypripediums and similar forms of lady-slipper orchid would very likely succeed in a north window. They need only cool temperature and the pots should stand on a tray of gravel that is kept moist to give them the right atmosphere. The compost should be kept nicely moist. Your aquarium could well be adapted for a terrarium. Place about 2 inches of pebbles and a few pieces of charcoal in the bottom for drainage, cover this with a thin layer of moss and use a porous soil mixture in which to plant.
