Greenhouse growing in Arizona? - Orchid Board

Wrebbitrocks · #1 08-26-2011, 06:28 AM

I'm not so hot at orchids but here's what I've learned:

As mentioned, go BIG. Not just the size but the best quality you can afford. I bought a 5lx5wx7h cheap made of plastic and it simply didnt last. We get wicked windstorms out here and anything thats not anchored down you can kiss goodbye. The plastic ripped and the frame itself would move and my plants would topple over.

Small is hard to regulate. The heat builds up fast and succumbs to cold just as fast. Our summers can get close to 120'F and be super dry. I wouldn't be all too concerned about the freezes in Phoenix but here in Tucson this past winter it got so cold overnight that all my plants died so make sure you pay attention to the weather forecast for any sudden changes. Any snow we get here (and it happens!!!

) will melt within hours so a strong roof is optional. A heater is really only needed on exceedingly cold nights and you can get a small portable one cheap. It should warm up during the day.

Do invest in a swamp cooler. It'l cool and help with humidity. Same with an RO system unless you want to buy gallons of the stuff which would eventually equal a system anyways. It was convenient for me with my small collection. Misting would be great too. As for any power outages, we don't get them as often except during storms (RARE) in monsoon season where its not that hot anyways and propping the door open for any extra humidity will help cool off any potential heat build-up as well as spraying the floor down and misting the plants manually. Don't get any tap water on anything though because the calcium build-up is BAD.

The sun can creep up on you very fast don't go for a clear plastic GH. Opt for White or tempered glass or paint it yourself with latex paint diluted since it will refract the sunlight into brilliant bright light without burning the leaves. Use shadecloth where appropriate and try to go for an eastern exposure. Placing close to a deciduous tree if your lucky to have one can help with shading in the summer and allowing sun in winter. I suppose mesquites work too if the shade isn't too dense. If you can get it as close to the house as possible then better as the house will absorb and reflect sunlight during winter and supplies will be closer at hand. A floor made of Gravel will help with humidity as will brick tiles or something similar.

Keep in mind how hot it will get inside and that it will be hard to grow cool growers unless you can find a way to provide their needs. Miltoniopsis, Masdevallias, and Cymbidium have hated me so far.

I'm currently making plans for a greenhouse myself so I too have been researching the topic. A member here (edinaz i think?) has wonderful pictures of his success and he may be of help as may other members here. I look forward to seeing your progress! Good luck!