Here some instructions for the student plant care team. The climate at the lab is controlled automatically by a humifier, a ventilator, an air cooling and lighting system (artificial daylight interval: 12h). The water tank needs to be regularly refilled once it is empty (approx. all 3-4 days). Water for the humifier (tank) and for watering the plants (cans) needs to be decalcified before used. Once you come to the treelab, proceed with the follwoing steps.
Water the plants with the water that is already in the green cans.
Always refill the cans after use. reasons and procedure below.Every two weeks: Mix fertilizer with the water in the cans (use small glass, it needs just very little fertilizer, approx. a liquor dose)
2. If tank is empty or just has little water left: Refill.
Look for the decalcifier, it’s in the grey box besides the water tank. Put it into the sink outside the lab in the hallway.Connect the steel hose to the tap.Get the black/orange hose and take it to the decalcifier.Connect the hose to the decalcifier’s outpout.Put the hose’s end into the tank, block it with the black clamp.Open the blue valves (turn left). Then open the water tap and wait until the water starts to flow into the tank. Keep an eye on the tank, it should not overflow!Once the tank is filled up, you may use the running water to refill the watering cans. Important: Please refill all cans once you watered the plants. It’s not only a help for the next person, the water has then also the right temperature. Never water the plants directly with fresh refilled water, it’s too cold for tropical plants!Spray the plants from time to time with water. They like it!Before you leave the lab: Clean the floor from substrate and litter. Check if valves and hose from the tank to the humifier do not leak. Make shure the valve of the tank is open, correct position above in the photo. Note date, time and activity as well as your name in the laboratory notebook on the table.
