On the benefits of high humidity

A few months ago I acquired some Neofinetia falcata seedlings from Cal-Orchid.  I re-potted them and put them out with the other plants.  Winter arrived, watering frequency dropped dramatically and the Neos looked like they were suffering - the leaves were not as hard as they should have been and even showed mild wrinkling - not enough water.  I moved them into my compot growing chamber.  This tank has moderate temps and high humidity.  Within days the leaves plumped up and new root growth started - all the Neos look much happier.  While it is true that both temperature and humidity were increased when I moved these seedlings, I lean towards the humidity as the factor that allowed more moisture to get to the roots and stimulated new root growth.

Another reason to get a greenhouse!

Cold!

It is predicted to hit 24F tonight.  I am leaving my supplemental CFL lighting on all night in an effort to help keep temps above freezing in the "greenhouse". 

Cattleya labiata

Things are not going well.

Yesterday I found two Cattleya maximas with rot.  On each, the lead pseudobulb started turning brown and soft from the top.  I did radical surgery, cutting below the rot.  Also, you can see my C. labiata semi-alba - a mere shadow of last year's blooming.  Colder than normal temps are setting things back.