Root temp vs air temp
As mentioned in my previous post, my struggling orchids made a surprising recovery when the s/h pots were placed on a seedling heat pad. So here is what I am thinking:
1. A night time air temperature ALL YEAR LONG of 66-69 is TOO cold, especially for all orchids in s/h, and especially for those that like "warm feet"
2. Plants that have done OK, but not super, would also benefit from the seedling mat, given the year round night temperatures. I.E. cat. and onc.
I have measured daytime temps when the chamber ambient is at 79, and water reservoir of 90 for those orchids on the heat mat. I am not sure what the roots would see a couple inches above the water, but obviously "in water" roots will see 90 degrees.
Maybe I should:
Shut heat mats off during the day when the lights are on, and the temps rise to 75+??
Increase the temperature of night time chamber air temps??
This might be a breakthrough discovery for increasing the health of my plants, so would sure like the experienced folks feedback.
Joe
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