I need help in taking care of my new orchids

[nutgirl]

The main concerns with growing orchids in an enclosure are good ventilation, temperature control and light.

The smaller the greenhouse the harder it is to control these elements and keep them consistent. It's real easy to have a change in the weather and end up cooking or freezing them.
You'll need fan(s), heater, controls etc.

It's why most people who start with greenhouses keep going bigger and bigger.

You could probably grow yours on some open shelves on the patio during the summer and move them indoors for the cold months.

Maureen

[CG1108]

Yes I think I will just have them in my patio for now I will just have to get some shelving

thanks so much for all the advise!

[nutgirl]

Take a picture when you get it set up. It's always fun to see how others care for their orchids.


Maureen

[CG1108]

I will thanks again

[james mickelso]

That is a nice set up. The same materials my greenhouse was made from. The double wall plastic keeps it well insulated. It will work very well and all you'll need to keep it warm in winter is a small heater you can get at Wall Mart or Home Depot. Set it on the 750 watt setting and turn it down. Or even a shielded 100 watt light bulb. Put inside a 2 pound coffee can it will keep a small set up like this nice and toasty. Just let me know when you want the details. Put it on a timer and turn it on for the coldest part of the night. Won't cost much either. My GH was 6x8 and held quite a few orchids and I heated it for around $10/mo with a heater like that. I just sold it cheap to a guy who grows succulents and sells them for the wounded warrior program on the base where I work. A north exposure will provide enough light if there is no overhang to further cut the light. Try it. Phals, oncidium alliance, and many other orchids will do just fine.

[Trini Kjeldz]

pay attention to watering and the growing medium..especially if orchids were bought from a regular plant shop......what are your phals potting mix????

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

I don't really know what temps are like in your area so can't advise much but sounds like you've had lots of good advise above. Just be careful using a small shelf style greenhouse, I would agree with others who have said it can be difficult to control air flow in those sorts and it can get suddenly too hot without you realising. If it's warm enough in the summer just put them outside on shelving and bring them in as it gets too cool for them.