Congrats, Jim. And it's done before winter!

Jim, it is gorgeous!! May it bring you enjoyment for many years to come!

Thank you all. This has been an adventure.

Jim

WOW! That looks really beautiful, Jim! Congratulations!!

where's the dance of joy emoticon?
I'm thrilled for you Jim, this is going to make your
life so much easier and will give you more time
to go shopping for more plants!

I just noticed that the last picture I posted of the lanai was in error. I posted an earlier pic where the roof was not complete and the orchids were not inside. So, here is the pic I ment to post and you can see some of the vandas hanging in the windows. I should probably take some photos of the orchids in their new environment.

Jim

It is a very beautiful addition to your house. Yes, if you have some time, I would love to see your charge in their shiny new home.

Hi Jim, Loved the pictures of your lanai conversion also the "naming" of it. OC -- great name! This reminded me of when we built our home addition -- a Victorian conservatory --, which I felt was too snooty for our neighborhood, so we settled for "sunroom." Our neighbors call it the "atrium." Perhaps we should have called it the VC and let everyone wonder what that stood for! Do look forward to all of your beautiful photos.

Loved this thread.

I thought I would resurrect this thread as I have decided to cover the greenhouse part of the OC with 50% shade Aluminet. They ordered it today and it should be ready by May 10th. The orchids were happy in the winter but I still worry about the heat of the Florida summer. It's better to be safe than sorry. I talked with 2 local growers and they both recommended the 50% shade version.

Jim

Darn Jim, Now I'm going to have to look that stuff up. Is this going to be removable in winter? I put some 60% shade cloth over the roof last week, and had to remove it the same day, as it was too dark in there.Last summer it seemed to be just right.

Sounds great, Jim!

The Aluminet should be very effective, Jim. I install it on the inside of my empty greenhouse during Summer. Since the Greenhouse is connected to our house, I had to look for something to keep the heat down. This material works very well in lowering the temperature.

Thanks, Ursula, that's what I'm hoping for. It also difuses the light instead of blocking it. I don't want the OC any darker or the house will be darker. The Aluminet will be on the outside, over the top of the polycarb roof and be attached every two feet. Thet are installing grommets every two feet around the edges. It will be about 20 by 30 feet and the tie downs are bungie cords.

Jim

I have it as well, I put it up at the beginning of March and it makes a huge difference.
I screwed nylon tabs that have grommets in them to the greenhouse frame and just use twisty ties to hold the
alumet up. Jim , while we are on the subject , I have a question about your Psychopsis...I put mine out with
all the other plants last summer and it sulked all summer. My plant is very happy at the moment, it has put out
2 new spikes this winter and is blooming on 2. Where do you put yours during the summer? Full sun..mostly
sun...very little sun? Mine got a few hours of direct sun last summer and bright light the rest of the day.

I give mine just a little more light than a Phal. Let's say about like an Oncidium. They like to dry out between waterings and they are not fond of being repotted. Other than that, I can think of no other special instructions.

I can't wait for my Aluminet. It was hot out there today so I turned on all three fans. I could really feel the breeze come through the OC.

Jim

Thanks Jim, I'll try and find a better spot for it this year!

Always love a reason to come and look at your Lani conversion. I have been wondering about a shade cloth for our GH. I doubt there will be anything in it for the summer.