Project Phoenix - Page 36 - Orchid Board

DirtyCoconuts · #**351** 10-14-2020, 08:06 AM

I think I am inappropriately excited to see your new setup!!

WaterWitchin · #**352** 10-14-2020, 08:50 AM

Oh boy, this is gonna be fun! And I'm already getting a better understanding of how this "balcony" thing works. It is totally enclosed by windows, right? and some of the windows open? And then in winter, you could leave the door to it open, or shut? Is that the only way it's heated? By leaving the door into the living space open?

I would also add... those are pretty large power tools for your usual MO Akhenaten. Let's be careful out there!

---------- Post added at 07:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:49 AM ----------

PS Which way does this balcony face?

Akhenaten · #**353** 10-14-2020, 10:24 AM

Thank you DirtyCoconuts.
Oh yes, dear WaterWitchin you are right absolutely in each question 🤣 Balcony has two sides: long East side and shot South side. South windows blocking from hard Sun by the brick wall. Yes, windows will open in summer. In cold time I use floor heating and in very frosty times (-43F) I use additional electric heaters. I keep door always closed for saving humidity and temperature day-night drops.

Roberta · #**354** 10-14-2020, 11:20 AM

I have always been amazed at how efficiently you had used space to get so many plants in different environments all happy. Now it looks like your new balcony will be a big increase! Also, while that wall by the south window will block direct sun, I think that the white surface will also reflect some nice indirect light, especially in winter. Will you also have supplemental lighting, since I suspect that your winters are quite dark?

Akhenaten · #**355** 10-14-2020, 11:43 AM

Thanks Roberta

Yes, in winter we have a very short day. I am already using a 160 W LED supplementary lighting fixture consisting of three super-strong CREE LEDs. But due to cold weather and additional lighting, conditions can be created for different plants in the same area. The hotter plants are near to the lamp to get warm, the more coolest plants are near to the window, there is cooler from the cold glass. During the day, the lamps will heat the air, at night everything will naturally cool down, so the temperature differences that are useful for flowering.
On the new balcony, I will continue to use the old 160 W LED lamp, add another 200 W LED for large Cattleyas, and another 150 W LED light for the phalaenopsis wall, where, in addition to the "gems" from Mituo, Cattleya aclandiae, bulbophillums, maybe a couple more Cattleya.

DirtyCoconuts · #**356** 10-14-2020, 03:55 PM

very cool- cant wait!

WaterWitchin · #**357** 10-15-2020, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akhenaten

... Oh yes, dear WaterWitchin you are right absolutely in each question 🤣 Balcony has two sides: long East side and shot South side. South windows blocking from hard Sun by the brick wall. Yes, windows will open in summer. In cold time I use floor heating and in very frosty times (-43F) I use additional electric heaters. I keep door always closed for saving humidity and temperature day-night drops.

So this is more like my new orchid space. It's a sleeping porch, not heated. It was a common feature in old houses before the invention of air conditioning. In warm months, folks would all sleep out there on cots, mattresses, etc., and be able to have the breeze from three directions.

I'm a bit nervous about what it's going to take to heat it in winter, but we'll soon find out. My plan was to leave the door open, as in this old house the heat really rises anyway. I thought that would assist in keeping the temperatures up, along with a space heater I used when I grew in the basement in winter. Right now I'm more concerned about keeping it warm enough than getting that drop in temp at night. Time will tell how much effort it will take. Ummmm.... -45F is not "frosty." That's damned bitter cold. This old bird couldn't do it.