How to Make a Hot House for Orchids

Plan your hot house according to the orchids you're growing. Different breeds of orchids require different temperatures and watering schedules. For easy growing, grow orchids of the same type in your greenhouse, so you can maintain a consistent temperature. Put orchids that require consistent heat near your heat source, and orchids that are cold-tolerant near the outer walls of the greenhouse.

Shade your orchids with shade cloth. Greenhouses are designed to allow sunlight in and take advantage of the sun's natural heat, but orchids cannot tolerate direct sunlight, and must be protected from this. Make sure the cloth shades both the tops and sides of the plants. Orchids should get at least 12 hours of light every day, so supplement sunlight from fall through winter, with UV lighting for at least three to four hours after sunset.

Maintain your temperature within the hot house. Orchids need temperatures of 60 to 90 degrees during the day, and can drop down to 50 to 60 degrees at night with no damage done. Use electric heaters, with thermometers attached, to maintain sufficient temperatures inside the hot house. Use a humidifier to supplement the heat and give orchids the humidity they need. The thermometers on the heaters should be able to read the air temperature and turn on and off as necessary.

Water orchids once a week using a watering can, and allow soil to dry between waterings. Never get the water on orchid leaves, as they will begin to rot. Fertilize the orchids with a 10-10-10 fertilizer in their water once a month to encourage growth and blooming.