If you have been looking around for greenhouses to buy you will see that there are many in different shapes and sizes. They can be made of glass and sometimes can be as big as a regular house. Whilst some are more the size of a doghouse which is covered in clear plastic. Whatever type you buy, all of them are designed to do the same thing: this is so allow light to filter in trapping some wavelengths in.
Due to the greenhouse effect, it’s normally the long-wavelength light waves that are trapped inside. This is why a hot house stays hot even if the temperature is lower outside. Often the hothouse can even get too hot and so ventilation is needed.
Not only do greenhouses and hothouses help to trap heat inside, they also allow moisture to be retained. Many people like to have the ability to add moisture into the air using one of a number of different benefits.
You can simply just use a watering can to increase the humidity because of the evaporation process. Because the heat warms up the soil and pots, some of the water vapour will rise upwards. If you see condensation on your greenhouse then you will know that this is what’s happening.
If you want to get a bit more hi-tech then you will be able to keep humidity levels to around 40%-70% which is what orchids and other plants enjoy. Many species of orchid come from tropical jungles such as in Hawaii so like conditions that many of us would find a bit uncomfortable. Therefore using a timed mister near the plants and also above will help to keep your hot house nice and wet.
However the problem can arise that if you use a ventilation system you will allow moisture to escape along with the heat. Sometimes it’s just too easy to have more moisture than you need.
A problem that you need to be aware of is mold and midew that simply love these humid conditions. You will need to keep wiping any mildew away and also using spray mildewcide.
