Housing and Climate

The easiest way to grow orchids is to choose orchids that grow in conditions that match your location. However for most of us, that just won't do. Many of us might live in temperate or cold locations, but find ourselves obsessed with orchids from the tropics. Likewise, people in the tropics might find themselves obsessed with cloud forest orchids. In either case, it comes down to the need to simulate the environment the orchid lives in.

There are many options available, and it really depends on how extreme the difference is between the location the orchids are being grown, and the location where they would grow naturally.

Greenhouse

This is the most extreme option, but also the most versatile. Because a greenhouse is an enclosed area, it naturally collects heat through the day and can offer a warmer environment, as well as protect orchids from cold, hot and dry winds. On that same note, because it is an enclosed area, it can be cooled using an evaporative cooler, pad/fan systems or even air conditioning to allow a fully customised climate for the intended plants.

Having said that, even though they are enclosed there still needs to be some ventilation as stale air can encourage pathogens

Shadehouse

Balconies / Sheltered areas

Indoors

In the Garden