hothouse
Quick Summary
A hothouse, also known as a greenhouse, is a structure designed to protect plants from extreme temperatures and provide a controlled environment for their growth. These buildings are typically enclosed with glass or plastic and have a frame made of metal or wood.1
Hothouses are essential in agriculture and horticulture for cultivating fruits, vegetables, and flowers, especially those that require specific temperature conditions. They can also be used by hobbyists and home gardeners. Different types of hothouses exist, categorized by the nighttime temperatures they maintain, such as cool, warm, and tropical environments, each suited for different plant species. For example, a tropical hothouse, or hothouse horticulture, maintains nighttime temperatures between 16–21 °C (60–70 °F) and is ideal for growing plants like palms and orchids.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
greenhouseIn a tropical greenhouse, or hothouse, which has nighttime temperatures of 16–21 °C (60–70 °F), caladiums, philodendrons, gardenias, poinsettias, bougainvilleas,
Read MoreIn a tropical greenhouse, or hothouse, which has nighttime temperatures of 16–21 °C (60–70 °F), caladiums, philodendrons, gardenias, poinsettias, bougainvilleas,
Read More
gardeningProtecting plants(4) The hothouse, or stove house, in which the minimum temperature is kept above 60 °F (16 °C) and in which tropical plants such as anthuriums and cattleyas (a genus of the orchid family) can be grown.
Read More(4) The hothouse, or stove house, in which the minimum temperature is kept above 60 °F (16 °C) and in which tropical plants such as anthuriums and cattleyas (a genus of the orchid family) can be grown.
Read More