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.

Pollination

Cattleya warscewiczii

Cattleya warscewiczii is not the easiest plant to grow, but it is spectacular when grown well.  I am going to give it a try.  This bareroot division arrived yesterday.  I think it will start throwing off new roots soon and then I'll have to decide how to pot it.

Baby it's cold outside...

OK, not really.  But it is cold for Cattleyas.  Temps have been getting to low 30s at night which means my half-baked "greenhouse" heating set-up results in temps in the low 40s.  Too cold, but at least the plants won't freeze to death.  One day I'll have a proper greenhouse and maintain temps in low to mid 50s at night.  I'm sure the collection will be much happier.