Small portable greenhouses - Orchid Board

HiOrcDen · #1 01-20-2016, 02:27 AM

I'm looking to buy a small, relatively inexpensive greenhouse for my orchids, as the available spots in our house aren't ideal. I've found some of interest for under about $100. I'd like a translucent white one, but the ones I've found only come in green and clear.

Am I right to assume I'll need shade cloth for a clear one? Is a green covering suitable for growing orchids? Would anyone recommend a greenhouse in this price range?

bil · #2 01-20-2016, 09:08 AM

The caveats I would make are, will it resist wind and frosts? Here, a portable one would be in the neighbour's garden when the wind REALLY blows.

That's why I ended up welding up my own.

Secondly, if you do go in for a greenhouse, it will be full much quicker than you would believe possible. Bear that in mind!

HiOrcDen · #3 01-20-2016, 08:03 PM

Thanks again... I'm taking into account the wind factor!

I've narrowed down my choices, and it depends upon choosing between three different types of material for the greenhouse covering. Would anyone care to illuminate the differences, and suggest which is best for orchids, especially phals?..

First, the least expensive greenhouses have a covering called "Green PE Cloth", kind of a green mesh with transparent material in the gaps.

Second, are the ones with "Clear View" white translucent covering.

Third, are those with a polyethylene "Gro-Tec" covering, augmented with a shade cloth.

I realize that I may have to raise my budget. I'm wondering, if the cheaper green PE cloth is just as good, should I just go with that, or should I spring for one of the others, and which of those other two are best.

estación seca · #4 01-20-2016, 08:52 PM

For frost protection 7 mil clear landscaping fabric is usually fine, and a lot of people use this to cover home-made greenhouses where it doesn't get too cold. Do you live where Santa Ana winds blow?

HiOrcDen · #5 01-20-2016, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

For frost protection 7 mil clear landscaping fabric is usually fine, and a lot of people use this to cover home-made greenhouses where it doesn't get too cold. Do you live where Santa Ana winds blow?

So I gather the pe cloth is less than ideal? Yes we get Santa Ana winds, though less frequently in recent years, plus cold winds on occasion. So is the fabric you mentioned suitable for moon orchids without any more shading?

I've narrowed it down to a FlowerHouse or a ShelterLogic, the former being niftier and more expensive, & the latter seeming sturdier and more spacious for the buck. Any suggestions, perhaps one I'm not aware of?

estación seca · #6 01-20-2016, 10:24 PM

I'm not familiar with either of those. Just pointing out a few things. Santa Ana winds are a real problem to be planned for.

HiOrcDen · #7 01-20-2016, 11:32 PM

Appreciate it...
Home Depot says the OrchidHouse is rated for 45 mph winds. Google says S.A. Winds reach over 25 mph. Is that enough room for error?

estación seca · #8 01-21-2016, 12:08 AM

I don't know enough about it to say. But I lived through plenty of SA winds and gusts get to far above 25mph. Be sure you anchor it.

HiOrcDen · #9 01-21-2016, 12:21 AM

Understood. Will do!

bil · #10 01-21-2016, 07:02 AM

It isn't easy to advise on areas that are so different from your own.

What I would say is that this hobby is addictive. I would cheerfully make a small wager that the time will come when you wish you had built bigger and better.

Oh remember you will need services to it. Carrying water is a drag, and it will need heating in the winter, and in the summer, excellent ventilation. Mine is effectively a tube with the house along one side, and both ends can open completely to allow the breeze to flow thru It has 50% shade cloth over the top, and a misting system that I had to customise to give me 16 on and offs instead of 8.

The thick leaf orchids stay in it all year, except the Phals, which are turfed out as soon as the risk of frost is gone, and all the thin leaves except the den phals and nobile all go outside into the shade area for the summer as they would cook in the greenhouse in summer.