Ceramic Reptile heater for walk-in green house

[aparnamane]

Hi ALL,

Apologies if this has already been discussed, but I would like to hear if anyone uses a ceramic reptile heater in a walk-in greenhouse during winter months to maintain temperature, particularly in California.
If so what is the experience?

Please let me know your thoughts, I would like to use one to maintain a minimum temperature of around 60°F for my Phals.


Thanks.

[estación seca]

I don't see how any reptile heater intended to be placed under a terrarium could keep a greenhouse at 60 F / 15.5C during even a moderately cool night. You will need a larger heater. It will cost quite a bit of money to run.

[Dimples]

Your phals. will be unhappy at 60°F without additional heat. In your climate (I worked in Vista) they’ll do better indoors by a window. Add some seedling heating mats if you keep your house cool in the winter.

[aparnamane]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I don't see how any reptile heater intended to be placed under a terrarium could keep a greenhouse at 60 F / 15.5C during even a moderately cool night. You will need a larger heater. It will cost quite a bit of money to run.

Thanks ES for the reply.

I think I will move the phals inside near window instead trying to heat the greenhouse.

---------- Post added at 12:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:44 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Dimples

Your phals. will be unhappy at 60°F without additional heat. In your climate (I worked in Vista) they’ll do better indoors by a window. Add some seedling heating mats if you keep your house cool in the winter.

Thanks Dimples.

I think I will go with your suggestion, I will move the phals indoors near to window.


Thanks.

[Ray]

How big of a “walk-in greenhouse” are you talking about?

[aparnamane]

Originally Posted by Ray

How big of a “walk-in greenhouse” are you talking about?

Hi Ray,

It's dimensions are l78"L x 38.5"W x 84.5"H, one side is flat, similar like in the photo.

I have another one is 5 feet x 5 feet square one, I can use either one of them for my phals if I would be able to maintain the temperature above 60-65°F.

Thanks.

[Dimples]

You’d spend less buying and running a few grow lights inside, year-round, than you would trying to keep a small greenhouse warm over the winter. Depending on where in Vista you are, your lows drop into the 40s, with the potential for colder if you’re in a valley.

[Roberta]

I totally agree. Those flimsy little greenhouses likely can give adequate protection for most Catts, Oncidinae, and other cold-tolerant orchids. Phals, no... they need real, and consistent warmth. That level of warmth is hard enough to maintain with a well-insulated greenhouse with environmental controls when the nights head toward freezing. Those lightweight covers, not a chance.

[Dimples]

Not to mention, you’d be one power outage or equipment malfunction away from having a greenhouse full of dead phals.

The greenhouses would be great for any frost sensitive outdoor potted plants you have.

[Ray]

I agree with the last several responses.

I have used a high wattage, incandescent light bulb to heat a similarly-sized seedling rack, but it was in my basement, not exposed to the elements.