My Makeshift Mini Greenhouse

[Junebug]

Let me begin by stating that my makeshift greenhouse was designed for propogating pitcher plants, but I don't see why it wouldn't work for orchids as well. Feel free to move this to another forum if needed.

Today I decided to give my sprawling pitcher plant a haircut. I've gotten so many positive comments about this plant that I decided to try and start some cuttings to give as gifts. Once the 8 cuttings were prepped and potted they needed a terrariam or plastic enclosure to house them in for next few weeks.

Gallon sized ziploc bags didn't seem to be the logical answer so that got me to thinking. I remembered that I had saved a zippered plastic comforter bag. I found the zippered bag and was pleased to discover that it had the perfect dimensions for this application. My next hurdle was figuring out how to support the bag so it wouldn't collapse on the cuttings. In my garage I discovered a rigid plastic crate and was thrilled to find it was a perfect fit for the zippered bag. The bottom of the crate had rather large openings so I cut some cardboard to fit and placed it in the base of the crate. The plants were placed in next and the crate was then carefully slid into the bag and zipped shut. I elevated the whole contraption on a short plant stand in a location that receives a few hours of dappled sunlight each day. My project actually turned out much better than I expected it would. Now if the cuttings take I'll be good to go.

[bellini girl]

June bug, that's simply awesome. Talk about using what you have. Looks like you haven't closed it up entirely..to let in air I suppose. Good thinking

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by bellini girl

June bug, that's simply awesome. Talk about using what you have. Looks like you haven't closed it up entirely..to let in air I suppose. Good thinking

Thank you. Yeah, it was sort of a recycled project and I was surprised when it all came together and fit so perfectly with such little effort. I'm forever bringing home things from thrift shopping excursions and my hubby will ask me what I'm going to do with my finds. Sometimes I have very specific ideas and other times it's hard to come up with an answer because I don't really know...and only have the feeling that it will be useful someday. This is how I obtained the crate. There was no specific reason that I needed the crate but it sure came in handy for this project.

Actually the bag is zipped up. Maybe it's just the camera angle or lighting that makes it look like it's not. I don't know how much humidity is too much but I should probably open it every once in a while to allow for a little air exchange.

[justatypn]

Now that's putting it all together and making it work, now I know what to do with the empty comforter bags, very cool

[bellini girl]

Originally Posted by Junebug

Thank you. Yeah, it was sort of a recycled project and I was surprised when it all came together and fit so perfectly with such little effort. I'm forever bringing home things from thrift shopping excursions and my hubby will ask me what I'm going to do with my finds. Sometimes I have very specific ideas and other times it's hard to come up with an answer because I don't really know...and only have the feeling that it will be useful someday. This is how I obtained the crate. There was no specific reason that I needed the crate but it sure came in handy for this project.


Actually the bag is zipped up. Maybe it's just the camera angle or lighting that makes it look like it's not. I don't know how much humidity is too much but I should probably open it every once in a while to allow for a little air exchange.

Don't you just love thrift stores...the bounty a body can find. You certainly got me thinking....and I just happen to have an empty comforter bag...hmmmmmm

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Now that's resourcefulness at it's best! Great job. I get the coolest ideas ever on orchid board! There is certainly no shortage of creativity around here

[phearamedusa]

You could also make a frame out of small pvc pipe, or 1x1 wood stock. In a pinch I've used bamboo stakes tied together.