How To Construct An Orchid Shadehouse?

In this video, Larry O’Neil, owner of Larry’s Garden Design and Installation in Jacksonville, shares his experience of building a simple orchid shade house. The lath house provides the perfect balance of light and shade, allowing the Cattleya orchid to receive the right amount of light without being exposed to direct sunlight. The video also discusses the importance of putting orchids outside for the summer, as it helps prevent damage to plants during the bright days of summer and provides areas for growing special plants like orchids.

The video provides a quick guide on how to construct a shade house, including the materials needed and the best shade cloth colors and percentages for different orchids. Lath houses can be rain and frost protected in winter and shaded in summer, and the conversion only takes a few minutes. DIY kits are available for those looking to build their own shade houses.

The video also discusses the importance of adding shade cloth to protect orchids from harsh weather. Janis and her husband Alan built a 16′ x 16′ shade house with a polycarbonate roof, which was installed with a control panel. The video concludes by asking if anyone uses a shade house for their orchids and if they are using a similar method to small inexpensive greenhouses.

Can orchids grow in full shade?

Orchids require varying amounts of sunlight for flower production, with some requiring full sun for the entire day and others preferring indirect or dappled light. The time of year also plays a role, as the sun’s position changes over 12 months. Oncidiums like Spaghettis and Equitant require bright light, while Oncidesa, Phalaenopsis, and Cattleya thrive in semi-shaded conditions. Therefore, the ideal light conditions for your highrise garden depend on your specific orchid species.

What is the best room in the house for an orchid?

Orchids thrive in indirect sunlight, so they should be placed near a north- or east-facing window in your living room. If your room has west-facing windows, place them farther away on a table or shelf. If you prefer closer proximity, ensure the window is draped with a sheer curtain to block out direct sun rays. Phalaenopsis orchids, originally from the tropics, thrive in humid environments, so the bathroom is the most humid room in your home. The steam and heat from the shower will keep your plant hydrated and warm.

Can orchids grow in dark rooms?

Orchids require bright, indirect light for optimal growth, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per plant. They need blue light for growth and red light for flower production. Orchid varieties are classified into three groups based on light requirements: full-sun orchids prefer direct sunlight, medium-light orchids like Oncidium thrive in bright, indirect light, and low-light orchids prefer dappled sunlight. It’s crucial to know the orchid variety you have to provide the right light conditions for optimal growth.

Can you keep orchids in an unheated greenhouse?

To grow orchids in a greenhouse, ensure the greenhouse is spacious and provides optimal sunlight. Protect the plants from direct or scorching sunlight by using an ideal greenhouse glazing that allows indirect sunlight for at least 10 hours daily during the long season. Use shade cloths to prevent harsh sunlight from burning the orchids. Maintain a greenhouse humidity level between 40-70, and if not in a humid climate, use a humidifier or misting system.

Adjust the greenhouse temperature to 60-80°F (16-27°C) in the daytime and 45-65°F (7-18°C) at night for optimal blooming. A heating system is essential for cold climates. Adequate ventilation is crucial, especially in warmer climates, and roof vents and greenhouse fans can help increase ventilation.

Orchids can take years to grow from seed, so growers typically purchase young plants from local garden supply stores or nurseries. This article focuses on caring for orchids and provides tips on how to grow them from seed.

What type of greenhouse is best for orchids?

Before making a decision on an orchid greenhouse, it is essential to visit multiple greenhouses and consult with manufacturers and books. Window greenhouses are ideal for small-growing orchids, and opt for models with vents and small fans for better ventilation. Two or three shelves can increase space, either solid or perforated. The ideal size for an initial collection is 14 feet wide and 14 to 20 feet long, with a center bench and two side benches.

A large greenhouse is preferable in the long run, as it is less expensive to build now than to add an extension onto a smaller one in the future. Cleanliness is crucial, and regular cleaning of benches and floors with fungicides or bleach is essential to keep pests and fungi at bay. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program can be created, combining beneficial insects with systemic pesticides for maximum organic pest management. Consult your local agricultural extension for more information on IPM plans, beneficial insects, and local growing conditions.

In summary, following these guidelines will help your orchid greenhouse grow well and provide a good start for your collection.

How to shade orchids?

Orchids typically require 75-80 shade cloth for optimal growth. However, factors like temperature in the growing location can affect the ideal shade cloth percentage. For areas with higher temperatures during summer, 75-85 is the ideal shade cloth percentage, while winter areas require minimal shade. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider these factors when selecting the appropriate shade cloth percentage for orchids.

What is the best shade for orchids?

It is recommended that orchids be placed in a location that receives bright indirect sunlight, with the use of a white shade protection cloth to maximize natural light.

Are LED lights good for orchids?

LED lights are increasingly popular for orchid growing due to their efficiency and better light quality. They come in various colors and can be customized to suit the orchid’s specific needs. Despite being more expensive than traditional fluorescent lights, LED lights provide better light for orchid growth. Temperature is also crucial for orchid growth, as they prefer temperatures between 18-30°C. To ensure orchid health, it is essential to use light levels that are not too bright and provide the right ventilation and humidity. Proper care and lighting can lead to the growth of beautiful and healthy orchids in your home. Ultimately, the right light and care can lead to the growth of beautiful and healthy orchids.

What temperature is too cold for orchids?

Orchids typically thrive in temperatures between 50° and 80° F (10° to 27° C), but occasional periods above 100° F or even in the 30s (0 C) can be harmless as long as no frost forms on the leaves. Cold injury, chill injury, and freeze injury are all types of damage caused by temperatures above and below freezing. Symptoms usually appear days after exposure to low temperatures, with the rate of development depending on the severity of the exposure and the conditions in the growing environment.

The post-exposure environment affects the degree of injury and symptom development, with the importance of post-stress handling varying with the severity of cold stress. Overall, proper post-stress handling can significantly influence the damage to plants exposed to extreme temperatures.

Can I put my orchids outside in the shade?

Orchids can be grown outdoors if the weather is favorable, with the majority growing in half to full shade. If moving from a greenhouse, give them one step down for sun exposure and if they are full sun plants in the greenhouse, put them outside in part-shade. Orchids can be grown outside from late spring through summer to early fall, but they should be watered daily, unless it is raining daily. Orchids grown in climates with lower humidities may need to water twice a day.

To grow orchids outside, it is advisable to avoid miniature or hardy orchids, such as Cattleya, Dendrobium, or Cymbidium. In tropical climates or climates that rain daily, almost any orchid can be grown outside, as long as it’s in the right space. To ensure easy watering, ensure the plants are in an area that can be easily watered when it doesn’t rain and where creatures like squirrels can’t get to them. If possible, set up an automated sprinkler system to reduce watering work.

Outdoor plants should be watered daily, regardless of region, and in drier climates, consider watering twice a day.

Can orchids live inside without sunlight?

Orchids are versatile plants that add beauty and visual interest to both indoors and outdoors. They are hardy, can withstand periods without water, and don’t require direct sunlight. Their low maintenance lifestyle and beautiful blooms make potted orchids popular plant decor in homes and offices. Proper orchid care involves the same basic guidelines for sunlight, water, temperatures, fertilizer, and humidity, but may vary depending on the location. Orchids are also considered one of the best floral gifts, even for those who have never cared for one before.