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Aug 4, 2015 7:48 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Chris Pollock
Copperas Cove, Tx (Zone 8a)
Adeniums Cactus and Succulents Dog Lover Greenhouse Hibiscus Plumerias
Seed Starter Region: Texas Garden Ideas: Level 2
Back in late June I was at the local Walmart and they still had a lot of Mothers Day orchids sitting inside. Most had already finished blooming and looked like they needed some care. So being adventurous and having room in my greenhouse I asked the manager if I could buy them for 1/2 price or less. I think she was happy to get rid of them and make a little money. So I loaded up 22 of the best ones I could find and brought them home, re-potted and set on the shelves I have. A few days later I noticed that the temperature in the greenhouse was running about 125+ (this is Texas) and the humidity was about 16%. After watching a video on humidity trays I came up with my own. Now even though the temperature outside is running over 100 the temperature at the orchids is running about 99-100 and the humidity is running about 38-45% during the day. I'm sure at night it's higher. And I forgot to mention these are all Phalaenopsis orchids. I've posted photos of my humidity trays which are very easy to make. The large pan is 15 13/16 X 11 5/16 X 2 7/8. Then I found another pan that will fit upside down inside of it and drilled multiple holes through the bottom. This supports the top piece which I found in the BBQ section of the grocery store as well as helps support the pots.
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Chris - Linux since 1995
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Aug 4, 2015 7:58 PM CST
Name: Carol
Santa Ana, ca
Sunset zone 22, USDA zone 10 A.
Bookworm Charter ATP Member Region: California Hummingbirder Orchids Plant Identifier
Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge)
The only way I can get them to live is in the house...with a swamp cooler on. That keeps the temps below 90 and the humidity above 50%, usually.
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Aug 4, 2015 8:50 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Chris Pollock
Copperas Cove, Tx (Zone 8a)
Adeniums Cactus and Succulents Dog Lover Greenhouse Hibiscus Plumerias
Seed Starter Region: Texas Garden Ideas: Level 2
I'll have to see how these go, it's only been two months though some are getting new leaves already. The real test will be this winter. I'll have to make sure I have sufficient heat and air circulation in the greenhouse.
Chris - Linux since 1995
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Aug 5, 2015 7:20 AM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
Of course you will want the temperature to stay above 50F if all you have are Phalaenopsis. Air movement is everything though. I don't know how large your greenhouse is, but mine is small @ 10x12' (two of them), and I have three fans running 8-12 hours (depending on greenhouse temperature) in each of mine.
drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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Aug 5, 2015 7:35 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Chris Pollock
Copperas Cove, Tx (Zone 8a)
Adeniums Cactus and Succulents Dog Lover Greenhouse Hibiscus Plumerias
Seed Starter Region: Texas Garden Ideas: Level 2
Mine is 10 X 13 I have both doors rolled up and the east side rolled up. Currently I have to power to the greenhouse, will have to get a generator as I'm putting another one of the same type up as soon as it decides to cool down. They're sitting on shelves right at the back end, north end, and with the side up there is quite a bit of air moving although it's usually just hot air.
Chris - Linux since 1995
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Aug 5, 2015 7:38 AM CST
Name: Ken Ramsey
Vero Beach, FL (Zone 10a)
Bromeliad Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Tropicals Plumerias Orchids
Region: Mississippi Master Gardener: Mississippi Hummingbirder Cat Lover Composter Seller of Garden Stuff
I don't have that capability, Chris. Mine are both standard, hard sided GH's with a door at one end. I have to have fans to move air. In the spring and summer these two GH's are basically empty. Everything is outside until the fall.
drdawg (Dr. Kenneth Ramsey)

The reason it's so hard to lose weight when you get up in age is because your body and your fat have become good friends.
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