You can install artificial lighting, if needed. . Fluorescent lights are the most economical. You can get ones that are 2 ft (0. 61 m) wide by 4 ft (1. 2 m) long to provide adequate lighting. Try using a 50/50 mix of cool white and warm white tubes as bulbs because they are bright and inexpensive. You can get them for around $10. Gro-Lux tubes more closely resemble the spectrum of light in natural sunlight, but are much more expensive. They can cost around $60. [3] X Research source Consider whitewashing the windows of your greenhouse to prevent your orchids from getting sunburnt. Whitewash is a mineral substance that can be painted onto windows. It is often made of a hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) solution. Whitewashing adds partial opacity and can also be removed if you no longer want it. It will allow light to enter without being too direct or scorching.

Make sure air is able to circulate through the top of the benches. This can be accomplished by adding aluminum mesh or redwood/cypress strips. Besides allowing for air circulation, this will also allow adequate drainage. If you need additional space for your orchids, wall mounts or hanging displays are a good option. They add visual interest by creating varied levels of height. This way you can truly be surrounded by your orchids. [5] X Research source

Although it may be possible to get away with slightly higher night temperatures, never exceed the higher day temperatures or the orchids will not cope well. If you do wish to grow orchids from different climatic zones, try dividing your greenhouse to maintain different temperature levels. Make sure that you have a heating system if you live in an area that gets colder than 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7. 2 degrees C). You can use any kind of heating system, including steam, solar, circulating hot water, or natural gas. [7] X Research source On the other hand, if you live in a very warm climate, you will need a cooling system. This usually is not necessary because ventilation is able to regulate temperature on extra warm days. [8] X Research source

Oscillating fans change airflow pattern to cover large areas without drying out your orchids. Use side and roof vents for increased ventilation. These are manually operated and a simple way to improve airflow. [10] X Research source

If you aren’t sure about the humidity levels of your greenhouse, buy a hygrometer from a home improvement store to test your levels and adjust your humidity accordingly.

Choose an orchid pot, which can be found with the terracotta pots at garden shops.

Cattleyas are the standard orchid that most people are familiar with. They like average temperatures around 65-78 degrees Fahrenheit (18. 3-25. 5 degrees C) during the day and 55-62 degrees Fahrenheit (12. 8-16. 6 degrees C) at night. They like a lot of light, so west and south facing windows will give them the best light levels.

If your orchids are getting too much light, their leaves will turn a yellow-green or even look reddish. The leaves can even get round sunburn spots if they are overheating.

To prevent overwatering, make sure your pot has adequate drainage holes. Make sure there aren’t too many dissolved salts in your water and that its pH level is neutral or slightly lower. Sodium should not be greater than 25 ppm. [17] X Research source Quality water is important in caring for your orchids. For best results, mist your orchid daily with bottled, filtered, or distilled water.

For bark, use a high nitrogen fertilizer with a 3-1-1 ratio of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium. Make sure the nitrogen is urea-free because the orchid is not able to use urea-based nitrogen. For charcoal-perlite or rock, use a 1-1-1 ratio.

Cool: cool climate orchids are used to minimum winter night temperatures of 45º F (7º C) and a maximum summer’s night temperature of 57º F (14º C). Intermediate: these orchids like a minimum winter night temperature of 50º F (10º C) and a maximum summer’s night temperature of 64º F (18º C). Warm: warm climate orchids like a minimum winter night temperature of 57º F (14º C) and a maximum summer’s night temperature of 72º F (22º C). [21] X Research source

f the plant still fits comfortably in the same pot, you can reuse it. If your orchid has outgrown its pot, it is time to transfer to a larger pot. Try the next size up, but don’t go too large or the potting medium will dry too slowly. [23] X Research source