This is for Tony Watkinson who asked about the cubic capacity of the rooms in my basement and the amount of dry ice I use (OGD Vol 8, Issue 384).
Our main room with the largest number of orchids is about 24 feet long x 15 feet wide x 7 feet high = roughly 2500 cubic feet (There are some irregularities in the profile of the room). I use a piece of dry ice that is approximately 3 pounds, wrapped in a paper bag, and stuffed behind one of the fans that is mounted high up on a shelf near the ceiling in the room.
Neighboring rooms are a little larger but have fewer orchids in them. They receive the same size pieces of dry ice.
When buying dry ice from our local dealer, we do not insist on precise weights. It is nearly impossible with the scales they use and unreasonable to request. Approximate weights are sufficient. We are assured that we are not getting pieces that are 1-2 pounds or 5 pounds each. The variation we get probably ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds per piece.
I will say that we have not done any “titration.” We were fortunate in second guessing the amount that we use. It worked, and that is what was important. I used an amount that I thought would leave a lasting residue for a few days.
It is always possible that your experience could be different. Time will tell. Don’t overdo it.
I hope this information is helpful.
Good luck and good wishes.
Dr. Charles E. Bracker
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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