Building an indoor green house

[aramina12]

I've been considering building my own indoor greenhouse. I currently live in a two bedroom apartment and I'm becoming hard-pressed to find spaces near proper window lighting where my *ahem* lovely kittens don't knock them over. Problem is, I haven't ever grown anything in a greenhouse so I'm looking for some tips.

Currently my thoughts are I could probably build one out of pvc pipe (or something similar) and some clear plastic tarp. I currently have one plant light which was successful in keeping my orchids healthy when I lived in a basement apartment so I'll probably buy some more of those.

Things that I'm specifically wondering about:
-How should I ensure proper ventilation? Poke holes in the top?
-Does the general build idea sound remotely reasonable?
-How many lights should I count on purchasing per quantity of orchids?

Things to keep in mind:
-Currently I own 13 orchids varying in size, but most of them no bigger than your typical Phalaenopsis. However, I would like to allow for room to expand my collection.
-I have several varieties, but the three I'm focused on are Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, and Paphiopedilums.
-My budget isn't exactly massive. So I'm looking for the most affordable way to make something that will still make my orchids happy.

[My Green Pets]

You could look into indoor cannabis growing setups. I'm not joking, there are some serious setups out there and people have been doing this for years. Youtube has a wealth of information for creating an indoor 'grow room'.

[estación seca]

The most problematic thing is how to prevent water damage. Water condenses on the plastic and drips down. If you haven't considered this you will soak and damage floor, carpet, walls.... Water finds tiny holes to leak through just as kittens find plants.

[theloyalplum]

I agree with @CambriaWhat. Cannabis growers are experts at growing indoors, illegal or not. The systems and science behind their builds are amazing!

For myself, I use one of those cheapy vinyl greenhouses modded a bit to house orchids.

Some things I would definitely consider would be a simple fan setup to intake fresh air and prevent stagnant air pockets. Also an appropriately sized ultrasonic humidifier. Depending on the size and location of your setup, you might want to invest in a humidity and temperature controller for when you're away or can't baby them on the really weird days.

[billc]

You should look into getting a grow tent. Works much better than wrapping shelves in plastic sheeting. They have vents built into them and generally have a waterproof floor. Do a forum search or Google grow tents.

Bill

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by aramina12

Currently my thoughts are I could probably build one out of pvc pipe (or something similar) and some clear plastic tarp

Regarding construction with PVC pipe, the disadvantage is that PVC will bend if it is supporting weight (pots, plants, etc.). PVC might be fine as a frame to support a plastic cover over your plants. Be careful when cementing joints - excellent ventilation (to outdoor air) is essential for safety reasons.

[sruther4d]

As an alternative consider the following:

1. Find cat litter trays
2. Place a layer of stone in the cat litter trays
3. Find multi level sturdy shelving to place by the windows
4. Place orchids in the cat trays. Place trays on shelves
5. Keep a small amount of water, usually not over the stone, as a humidity source.
6. Mind orchids as necessary

Photo is of my outdoor setup but it gives you an idea of the trays and what I do. I have a bakers rack next to an east facing patio area that serves as my indoor setup.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/i19qwqvi7...QEo9cTpXsQo5Ha

[Optimist]

The orchids you mention may all have different lighting needs. The phals and paphs can be kept together, the Dendrobiums (for the most part) require higher light. There are a few dends like abberens that can live in paph/phal light. Since I do not know where you live, I do not know what resources you have, but if you have an Ikea, or box store, or even goodwill where you can get cheap furniture, you may be able to tweak something that has some form already.

Take the doors off and replace with glass or acrylic, drill some side holes for a fan or two, and a mister, and put some lights on it, and there you go!