Phalaenopsis gigantea - long term growing project

[K-Sci]

Originally Posted by Shadeflower

eith my warm growing phals I wouldn't let go under 65F

I may regret the lower temperatures, but I don't want to heat my greenhouse above 60F at night. If I see problems developing I'll bring them indoors, but they will be a bit crowded if that becomes necessary for many. All but one or two of my phals are in flower or spike. One even has 5 spikes, but if it starts dropping buds that will be a sure sign that it needs to be warmer.

-Keith

[Shadeflower]

If it helps you can get these vegetable cold frames that are made out of doublewall polycarbonate sheets.
I know it might seem like a ridiculous idea but a bit of insulation on the bottom with a cold frame will add a few degrees. In summer it would not be needed of course but the cold frame would heat up additionally during the day and keep things a few degrees warmer at night. It really will make a small difference for very little cost.

[K-Sci]

Originally Posted by Shadeflower

If it helps you can get these vegetable cold frames that are made out of doublewall polycarbonate sheets.
I know it might seem like a ridiculous idea but a bit of insulation on the bottom with a cold frame will add a few degrees. In summer it would not be needed of course but the cold frame would heat up additionally during the day and keep things a few degrees warmer at night. It really will make a small difference for very little cost.

I don't think this would work here in Mississippi where soil temperatures at night normally remain higher than the ambient air both in and outside an enclosure. As a result, the concrete floor and brick house walls of my (lean-to) greenhouse tend to provide warmth at night. The heat loss at night is primarily through the glass and air infiltration. At this point, the heat is off during the day because outside temperatures are high enough along with heat from the sun, but I'm sure this won't last. The coldest winter lows here are almost never below 15F.

-Keith