Very nice!

Jane

Thanks for sharing. I always like to see how others grow their orchids. I grow mine under lights all year around. Does it take you long to water them? I had to go away from a tiered setup because it took so long to water them.

Oh yeah it takes forever! Most of these can go out in the summer and water with a mister on a timer and they love it. But the others I keep indoors and it's always a team effort to get the watering done. What does yours look like raaj ? Being so north yours has to stay indoor year round.

Thanks for sharing your setup. I also grow outside from spring to fall. Then inside for the winter. Things come in and go out in phases based on the temperature. Now all but a few are inside. The few remaining are in my 6x8 greenhouse which maintains temperatures from 65-48. The bulk of my collection is in this room, which takes me about 90 - 120 minutes to water.

Thanks Darlene that looks amazing! Do you have to move to water or can you water in place . Mine is always a shuffle , water and then sit on towel to drain some and then move back to the rack. I love everyone's input !

Darlene and all my orchid friends of the cold north. You amaze me!. I'm spoiled. I water every day and the total watering time for the WEEK is 60 minutes. I think I'm too lazy to try to grow orchids in cold climates. 2 hours for 1 watering. Quite an effort to keep the chids going! Awesome!

Wow, you guys are really committed. I have low humidity, so I have to water every other day. My only criteria for setting up my growing area is ease of watering. I use a watering can to shower the orchids. The water collects in a large dish at the bottom, then I just dump the water into a nearby sink. Usually takes me about 15 minutes, first thing when I wake up in the morning.

I can't lie it is a commitment. But I only water once a week for most of the collection. The seedlings get watered twice a week. The total still in the 90-120 minute range. Plus I take my time and inspect as I go. There are about 275 plants in that room. So as I say all the time, I need to down size...

Or up size. What does it take to build and fuel a z6 efficient and dynamic winter orchid house for 300 to 400 plants?

I am actually looking into that. For now, I am experimenting with a 6x8 modified harbor freight greenhouse to extend my outdoor growing season. With a small heater and a bubble wrapped exterior, I am able to keep the temperature between 68-48. If an orchid need a dry, cool rest it is in the greenhouse (Coelogynes, a cymbidium or two, and dendrobiums). This will be the second winter for the greenhouse but the first "real" winter. Last year we had 50-60 degree daytime temperatures well into December. This year will be more typical. So I will have a better sense of how easy it is to regulate the temperatures. If I am not able to keep the temperatures stable without breaking the bank, I will leave them out. Otherwise, I will bring everything in in January. I will post pictures later.

It is great to have the space for the resting orchids but I would need something different to house my entire collection. I keep it way to cool in the greenhouse for most of my collection. I am chatting with some folks that have hobby greenhouses in the area growing similar genus.

Darlene, what does a northern z6 greenhouse look like? If you do build one make sure there is enough space for all your needs plus 10% more plus enough room for a small table with a few chairs. Besides a dynamic place for your plants, people would enjoy being there for a coffee or cocktail or lunch...or just to breath the oxygen.

I did it for almost 20 years in my NY livingroom, kitchen and den.

Now living in Florida they stay outdoors year round. Truly easier but has its problems. I sort of miss the time I spent with my plants indoors because I could keep a close eye on them.

Outdoors, I find I spend little time with them and things happen which create problems I wish I had seen earlier. I felt more control over my plants inside my house. I saw them constantly and noticed problems before they got out of control. Plus I could control temperature and light better than outside.

Pros and cons.

Jane

Harvey, I would love a greenhouse large enough for my collection with room to grow plus a seating area. However that is a while out in time for me. Surprising I don't see too many greenhouses with seating areas in Ohio. But it is on my wish list.

Jane, I find the same thing with my orchids when they are outside.

Below are some pictures of my greenhouse dressed for the winter. All almost dressed...i need to finish the last panel. The misting system is pointed only at the ground to keep humidity. All the electrical is protected from watering.

I love your greenhouse looks so neat and organized! Mine isn't at all. We put up and take down ours every year because we have a tiny yard and rent so I also keep all my plants in pots. Which, when I started my love for plants was great to figure out best the sunlight, Texas sun is rough on some. I have my vanda's and some needy orchids on a mister in the corner. This picture was taken while putting together before the doors This is our 3rd year with our greenhouse