Growing Orchids in a Greenhouse
The greenhouse is the ultimate place to grow orchids (unless you live in a tropical environment). Orchids thrive in the greenhouse environment – however greenhouse growing presents the grower with a range of responsibilities and problems. For the best results greenhouse grown orchids need to be tended every day.
To effectively manage the interior environment within the greenhouse, consideration must be given to a range of factors including:
temperature
irrigation
shading
light - including supplemented light if needed
levels of CO2
misting or fogging
Control of the Environment
Sophisticated monitoring and control systems such as analogue controls, thermostats and computerised environmental management equipment are often used in large set-ups to enable the grower to accomplish the monitoring process.
The amount of light required by orchids is dependant on the species some are adapted to high light intensity whilst others grow best in low light environments. In the tropics - close to the equator, light varies very little for orchids that are growing on trees in this natural environment. In the greenhouse light conditions need to be monitored from summer to winter. Artificial light is the most easily managed way of delivering the correct light requirements. The cooler the area the more care is needed.
Temperature of Air
Greenhouses require cooling during the summer months. Most locations experience temperatures that are detrimental to plants during summer. Temperatures inside the greenhouse are often 11ºC higher than outside. Adverse effects on plants from excessive heat include reduction of flower size, delays in flowering and loss of stem length.
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