Greenhouse Recuirements for Orchids
 

Hi, I'm planning on building a greenhouse for my orchids in my backyard but I would like to spend as little money as possible. I need it to function as a place for my orchids year round. Though I won't be able to build it up against my house, I have a wide range of places in the backyard, about 20 by 10 ft areas. So, my question is: What are the minimum revuirements for a year round orchid greenhouse? thank you.

Lot's of cash! ;) just teasing, I'm sure lot's of good advice to follow. Be patient. :yawn:

You did not say where you are and what temperature ranges you will face

Here are the average temperatures where I live:
Month Low High
Jan 38.6°F 62.1°F
Feb 42.4°F 67.1°F
Mar 49.9°F 74.3°F
Apr 56.9°F 80.4°F
May 65.5°F 86.0°F
Jun 71.6°F 91.4°F
Jul 74.0°F 94.6°F
Aug 73.6°F 94.7°F
Sept 68.8°F 90.0°F
Oct 59.4°F 82.0°F
Nov 48.6°F 71.4°F
Dec 40.8°F 64.0°F

Averages can tell you a little but what extremes will you have to deal with?
Will there be freezing temps?
It can easily get well over 100 deg in a GH on a sunny day.

Maureen

Complete EXTREMES would be about 6˚ F as a low, and 110˚ F as a high.

Most orchids like to be at a minimum of 50 deg and max of 90 for short periods. There are exceptions and you can focus on the ones that would work for you.

You'll have to have a way to heat and cool to deal with the extremes. What is your humidity?

67% daily, 83% in the morning.

Lets approach this from another direction.

What plants do you have or plan to have?

Well, I would like to grow most kinds, and I would like to build a greenhouse suitable for most kinds since I have a feeling my collection will grow. Right now, I only have Phals, Dendrobiuns, and Oncidiums. Also, this isn't at all necessary, but I would like to possible put some of my other plants in there such as succulents.