Software
Houzz Logo Print
goldstar135

Temperature setting for greenhouse

10 years ago

Hi everyone!

I've been enjoying all the fall colors and the cooler weather these past few days. Unfortunately, that also means that nighttime temps are beginning to get chilly. Nighttime temps haven't gotten above 55*F since the last week of October! I moved all the plants that I moved outside for the summer back into the greenhouse around the 15th of October. Some were already beginning to show effects from the chilly nighttime temps-one of my two geranium's leaves were turning red.

This brings me to my question-what temperature should the greenhouse heater be set to? As of now I have it set at 60*F. Should it be any warmer or colder?

Thanks!


Comments (8)

  • 10 years ago

    So inside the greenhouse I have mainly spider plants and T. Pallida plants. There are a couple amaryllis plants, two geranium plants, two kalanchoes, a clump of wax begonias, and a citrus tree. My main concern is for the citrus tree-it was in a constant state of leaf drop over the summer. WIth some advice from the Citrus forum I repotted it in a 50/50 mix. I plan on transferring it to 5-1-1 next summer. It's looking better now-the leaves are no longer yellowing. They just look a bit pale which I plan to correct with some fertilizing.

    Is it correct to assume that I shouldn't have any plants directly in front of the heater?

    Thanks!

    I'll post a picture later today if possible.

  • 10 years ago

    Sorry for the delay-here's a picture:

    The heating unit is all the way at the end of the greenhouse.


  • 10 years ago

    I would not put any plants in front of the heater unless they were cactus or succulents..As for temps, most tropicals and the kind you mention enjoy temps above 60 at all times, especially Begonia, spider plants, Kalanchoes, and geranium...)

    goldstar135 thanked myermike_1micha
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Sounds good!

    Would a daytime temp of 75*F and a nighttime temp of maybe 61*F or 62*F suffice?

    Thanks!

  • 10 years ago

    Actually, the chlorophytum, transcantia, B. semperflorens, and geraniums are surprisingly cold tolerant. They need to be protected from frosty temperatures but will do great in the 40s or lower without damage as long as you are watering appropriately.

    Which kind of kalanchoe are you talking about? Some are hardier than others. Of course, citrus can tolerate cold temperatures with care.

    Do you have a circulating fan or two in the greenhouse? Proper placement can distribute the heat and keep the air moving. That's important.

    If I had that greenhouse, I'd set the thermostat for 55ish during the day and 45ish at night. If you want all kinds of lush growth all winter long, and intend to bring in a bunch of very sensitive tropicals then you should adjust accordingly.

    How hot does it get in there on a sunny winter day....without venting?

    goldstar135 thanked rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I'm not exactly sure what kind of kalanchoes I have-one has a tag that just reads "Kalanchoe" and the other tag reads "Calandiva".

    The mystery kalanchoe has red flowers, about the size of an iPhone home screen button.

    The Calandiva has similar-sized yellow flowers-each flower has multiple layers of petals if I remember correctly.

    EDIT-IDed as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana.

    There is one fan mounted near the top of the greenhouse. I took the picture from the entrance to the greenhouse-the fan is mounted high above the door. I have a couple more fans I could use.

    On a sunny winter day I'm not exactly sure how hot it can get-this is my first winter with the greenhouse. I'm not sure if this helps, but in the middle of summer with no windows open it can get up to 100*F. With all four windows and the door to the outside open the temperature goes up to around 80*F.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Rhizo, first off, how are you? Life has been crazy around here..If you have teh same e-mail, I will write you!

    Now, question? Does it make a difference for geranium if the temps drop cool once in a while as compared to constant cold temps..It seems no matter how much I watch my watering, even in porous mixes, I loose every one of them. The leaves rot of and the plant dries up and dies..If I keep them growing in warm temps no problem. If they are exposed to cold once in a while they still do ok..It's the constantly cold temps that seem to do them in..(

    My Spider Plant too can take cool temps outside, but only for a short period of time before it show signs of weakening and yellow leaves if I leave them exposed to temps lower than 55 for days..

    P.s.. Why have not looked at any of my threads and said hello? I have posted two threads about October and November Houseplants and I figured you would stop by and at least say hello)

    Thank you!

    goldstar135 thanked myermike_1micha
Sponsored
Whisler Home Improvement
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars9 Reviews
Franklin County's Committed Home Improvement Professionals