How to Make an Orchid Greenhouse

Orchids are known for their long-lasting blooms.

Live orchids add color, life and graceful symmetry to a room. Although these flowers are less tolerant of template extremes than some other plants, it's easy to accommodate orchids in a home or office by placing them in a greenhouse. You can also recycle an old aquarium to make a simple mini greenhouse. This will help protect the orchids from any breeze or sudden temperature drop, while still allowing you and your friends to enjoy them.

Things You'll Need

• Large aquarium
• Sink or tub
• Scraper
• Brushes
• Soap
• Paper towels
• Activated carbon
• Miniature orchid plants in slotted pots
• Lava rock or bark nuggets for growth medium
• 2 plug-in 60 watt UV grow lights
• 4 metal snap-on clips

Instructions

1. Place the aquarium in a sink or tub for cleaning. The aquarium will need to be at least 20 inches high to accommodate miniature orchids.

2. Use the scraper to remove any crusted-on algae from the aquarium. Wash the aquarium thoroughly with brushes and hot, soapy water. Dry the tank with paper towels.

3. Wash the activated carbon with water and use paper towels to dry it. Cover the bottom of the aquarium with the activated carbon to a depth of about 3 inches.

4. Put the pots with the orchids at the bottom of the aquarium. Pour in the growth medium to fill the area around the pots. Because orchids require a course growth medium, lava rock or bark nuggets work well. Don't get the growth medium in the pots.

5. Position one of the glow lights at the upper front edge of the aquarium and clamp it on with two of the snap-on clamps. If your glow light has a reflector, aim it toward the bottom of the aquarium. Place the other glow light on the opposite side of the aquarium in the same way.

6. Plug in the glow lights. Water the plants according to your usual schedule.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid placing the greenhouse near windows, doors or vents that might shock the orchids with rapid temperature changes.

References

• Rose City Farms: Easy Greenhouse
• Backyard Oasis: Make a Small Indoor Greenhouse for Seedlings and Plants
• Container Gardening Ideas: Fish Aquarium Greenhouse
• D&B Orchids: Orchid Potting Material