It doesn't always have to be commercial crops. Growing alpine plants in a greenhouse is a wonderful hobby with a fun factor and yet doesn't require a huge amount of effort. Alpine houses allow for very individual design and, once furnished, are relatively easy to maintain.
How to grow alpine plants in a greenhouse?
Alpine plants thrive in the greenhouse in light-flooded raised beds with a wall height of 60-80 cm and a single-glazed roof. They require clean rainwater, a soil with a pH of around 6 and occasional repotting. Outdoor shading in summer protects against excessive sunlight.
Unless you're dealing with particularly sensitive plants, they also thrive in the rock garden. However, many alpine plants also require very special conditions when growing and must be protected from excessive rainfall. Last but not least, some demanding and very rare species are much more successful when reared in a greenhouse than outdoors.
The ideal alpine house
The best living conditions for plants can be achieved with earthen greenhouses. However, tufted bells, devil's claws, hunger flowers and snow plantain particularly love light-flooded raised beds, so agreenhouse wall height of 60 to 80 cm would be optimal. Single glazing (€55.00 at Amazon) is suitable for rearing; in winter, the north side should be insulated with additional bubble wrap. However, large temperature fluctuations between day and night must be compensated for by a heating and ventilation system. In an emergency you can also use straw mats.
Colorful variety with orchids, grasses and trees
Pretty much all plants that exist in the world, especially in the high mountains, can be grown in the greenhouse. Here are some examples:
| Plant type | Flowering time | color | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anemone | February to May | white, red, violet, pink | approx. 10 to 30 |
| Three-leaf | March to April | white | approx. 5 to 12 |
| knot flower | September to October | white | max. up to approx. 20 |
| Stone purse | May to July | purple, white, pink | approx. 5 |
| Gentian | May to June | blue | approx. 10 |
| Edelweiss | June to August | white gray | approx. 20 |
| Sedum | June to July | yellow | approx. 5 to 10 |
| Jasmine | May to June | yellow | approx. 30 to 40 |
Plant requirements
Depending on the variety, you can grow most alpine plants directly in the soil of the greenhouse (ideal pH value around 6) or leave them in a pot placed in a mixture of sand and peat. Otherwise, only collected, clean rainwater is needed for irrigation. Alpine plants should be repotted from time to time, making sure that the sensitive root ball and the soil remain undamaged. Dead plant parts are removed at the same time.
Watering alpine plants
Excessive watering or even waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. The direct jet of water from the hose also applies so as not to damage the sensitive plants. During thewinter months, moderate irrigation is sufficient, which can be supplemented with fertilizer until August. The liquid fertilizer is simply added to the irrigation water in the lowest possible concentration.
Tip
If you grow these uniquely beautiful plants in a greenhouse, they will thrive best in summer under the protection of a movable outdoor shade that can be rolled out and rolled up when necessary.
