Stream Corner

Having set up your greenhouse with the correct equipment and prepared it for orchids, use the central staging for the largest plants that need the most headroom. Above these, along the ridge board and elsewhere, suspend orchids, such as vandas and stanhopeas, that like to grow in hanging baskets. These can be attached by the clips that are supplied with aluminium greenhouses, or you can hang them from hooks in timber rafters.

Thermostatically-controlled electric fan heaters are clean and easy to use, providing warm, moving air in the greenhouse, which makes them ideal. Because they dry the air, you will need to stand a water-filled tray directly in front of the heater so that the air carries some moisture with it as it passes over the water. Ensure that there are no orchids standing directly in front of the air flow, because this will cause dehydration.

The side benches can accommodate orchids in pots; place those that need the most light on the brightest side, with shade-loving plants being shielded by the others.

Insulating the Greenhouse In winter, save as much heat as possible by insulating the inside of the greenhouse with double-glazing, using polythene (plastic) sheeting or panels on the sides and roof. This should be installed a few inches from the glass, in order to create a layer of still air in between, and should form a complete seal.

Creating the right conditions for the orchids is a combination of providing humidity, warmth and fresh air. These three important factors must always balance each other, so that the atmosphere always feels right when you enter the greenhouse.

When insufficient ventilation is given, the air can become stagnant, encouraging the growth of moulds and rots. This can be prevented by opening one ventilator for a short period during the middle of the day. Some greenhouses are equipped with a ventilator on both sides of the roof. This creates more opportunities for opening the ventilators, and on windy days you can open the ventilator on the leeward side to the wind. Bottom ventilators, sited on both sides of the greenhouse, just above ground level, are ideal for creating a natural current of air from the bottom to the top. This current of air creates a natural cooling breeze through the orchids.

This is important for odontoglossums, although not really necessary in a tropical house with phalaenopsis. Ventilators can be installed to work automatically, opening and closing with the rise and fall of the temperature at a predetermined setting. Alternatively, some growers prefer to use an extractor fan. The type that is installed for domestic use in a bathroom or kitchen is adequate.

A midday visit will be needed to adjust ventilators or increase humidity in summer, and a final visit last thing at night is advisable to check that all is well.