FlyTrapCare Forums

I've got two nice ping pumice rocks that I have a dilemma with. Usually, they sit on some rocks in a bowl, with the water level just about 1/2" above the pumice's lower surface. Water evaporates through the pumice like crazy. Easily a gallon of water in 3-4 days. I need to be away from them for more than that. I am wondering which is better:

• keeping the container / bowl covered with some transparent dome - to keep humidity in and prevent evaporation
  or
• leave them alone, and have the thing go through about 4-5 days where there is no water touching the bottom of the pumice

4 days without water it will be bone dry. I would move it indoors and bag it if possible.

These were / are indoors. That is how much water transpires through the pumice indoors. I’ll dome / bag them up somehow. Thanks for the response panman

Went with this solution for now. Have 3 gallons of water in it and that gets the rocks sitting in 2 inches of water. Right now, have the lid sealed tight. Should I leave it sealed ? Yescom 225 are on timer.

Thoughts ?

I do something similar with orchids on mounts - water them well, let them dry a little (so the media / lfsm) is damp, then pop them in a sealed tote. I'll leave a crack in the lid, or add a fan depending on how long I'm gone. I wouldn't bother with it for 4-5 days.

I think what you've done for your pings looks like a great solution! Not sure how much 'testing' time you have ... but the evaporation should be diminished by the closed top, I'm imagining it will still be moist when you return ( or at least humid inside). Hope you update this, so we can learn with you.

If you do have time to experiment with it before your trip, it might be interesting to try less light. I find that those yesom panels (or equivalent) do put off some heat. If you don't want to add more heat to the system, then two panels would easily be fine for the period you're describing. My pings get 2 panels for a 4' shelf over the winter - they green up a bit, but still grow fine.

are they mexican?

you can also leave them outside in the shade (summer) and water them as soon as the substrate is dry

OK, so here are the results:
pings didn't die - but they look like they were stressed. Assuming there was way too much humidity for them in the closed container.
probably should have left more of a gap with the lid. But, I will say they look like they will be alright now that I have them back in their normal setting.

thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.

Another win for the team!