How To Build A Florida Orchid Greenhouse

How to Build a Florida Orchid Greenhouse

Is there any flower more beautiful than an exotic orchid? Many gardeners would say no. The orchid is delicate and yet dramatic, a fragrant colorful flower that invokes a tropical island. If you want to grow these floral beauties you will need to know how to build a Florida orchid greenhouse. Florida is one of the best places in which to grow orchids because of the favorable climate. Growers will find a wide variety of orchid species from which they can choose. Two favorites of many Florida growers are Cattleya and Dendoribium.

Most any style greenhouse you prefer will work. There are several different types. Greenhouses can be lean-to style structures or detached structures. They can be constructed from glass, fiberglass or plastic. They can be framed with wood, PVC or both. Then there are different roof shapes including domed, arched, gabled, triangular and gothic. An arched hoophouse is a type of greenhouse which is very simple to construct but works quite well, even for orchid growing.

The first thing you'll need to do is find detailed plans for the design of your choice. If you have design software you can make your own plans. There are also plans in books and on the Internet. The important thing is that you read through your plans in detail and understand how to properly execute them before you begin. After choosing your plans, pick your location. A spot with lots of morning and evening sun is preferable. When building your greenhouse, the frame is constructed first then the panels or wrapping is added. Your plans will walk you step by step through the process as long as they are followed in order.

When constructing your Florida orchid greenhouse, you must consider the needs of the orchids. Make sure to provide enough space for all your plants. Orchids grow well in potting medium such as volcanic stone, peat, charcoal and bark. You can find commercial orchid potting mixes which are ideal. Orchids need to be kept moist but not overwatered. How often to water will depend on your individual orchids. These flowers require some shade and can burn if exposed to excessive heat and light. Therefore they should be shaded from the scorching afternoon sun. As far as heat is concerned, you want to make sure temperatures don't exceed 110 degrees in your greenhouse.

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