This sounds wonderful (especially since you are able to do it in Michigan -
Long Island should be a cake? walk)... I don't suppose you could post a
picture someplace to get an idea of how to make the hot house? DK

"bmuller" wrote in message
s.com...
It is attached to the house, and during sunny days doesn't need to be
heated
at all. In fact, it adds lots of heat to the house. But, on cloudy days, I
let it get down to about 55-60 degrees. The air just above the water is
almost as warm as the water, however. I grow mainly orchid cactus which
likes cool winters. That is why I insulate the sides and bottom of the
horse
trough. I do have quite an evaporation problem, but frequent filling
solves
the problem. Twice a winter I drain the trough and refill it to keep
mineral
buildup down. Also helps humidify the house! :-)

"dkat" wrote in message
...
How warm do you have to keep your greenhouse?

"bmuller" wrote in message
s.com...

"Greg Salata" wrote in message
...
I am considering a tropical water lily. Any suggestions on how to
winter
them in the midwest?

Thanks

I live in Michigan. I have a horse trough in my greenhouse. (about 6
ft
long, 2 ft wide, and 18 inches high) I use a couple of fish tank
heaters
to keep the horse trough water at 75 degrees (I wrap bubblewrap around
the
trough for insulation) and immerse the tubs with the lillies in the
trough.
They form new leaves and seem to thrive, but do not bloom, probably
because
they don't get enough light and warmth. The main danger is a tendency
to
put
them out too early in spring. If the pond water is cooler than 75 when
they
go out in spring, they will be severely set back.

I have done this for about 15 years, and rarely lose a plant.