Winter solstice

[Vanda lover]

We have it very dull and rainy here in a rain forest region. I've added some extra lighting and it does help a lot.

[seaj]

Originally Posted by Joseia

Well, the nice thing about growing exclusively under artificial light is that it is always summer and very bright in my orchid area. A greenhouse would be better, but it is still very relaxing when it is cold and dark outside to sit in the orchid room under the bright, hot MH light with the breeze from the fans and the mist from the humidifier. It's always Hawaii in my grow room.

I wish I could set up something similar, but I'm afraid of mold and electricity costs. My plants would surely enjoy an eternal growing season.

[Vanda lover]

I agree. My main grow room is in my art studio. The light is so natural that it is good to paint by. It is also good for preventing depression. So are orchids.

[euplusia]

Last winter was dark and painful, a desaster for my orchids. This december has been much better so far here, with 117% of average sunshine. I have a lean-to greenhouse facing southeast, the roof sheltered with paneels of acrylic glass, designed to transmit 98 percent of ultraviolet rays. Even without shadecloth I don't have to fear heatburn until mid of February. Of course I am longing for longer days. But it is a privilege to stand between green leaves and flowers when there is ice and snow outside.

[Leafmite]

I love how you put that! The lovely green leaves of tropical plants certainly does make mockery of the snow and ice beyond the panes of the windows (in your case, greenhouse panes).
My plants slow down/stop growth during the darkest days (all but for the chocolate tree which seems not to understand seasons), then begin their growth once more in February.

[Vanda lover]

It won't be long now. The grow area where I start my garden plants would be filled with orchids except that it is next to the furnace. Great for seedlings but I'm not sure orchids would like it.If I run out of space the garden may suffer while I experiment.

[GoldenSunshine]

My phals got sunburned on Christmas eve, the sun I guess is to strong here no matter what time of the year.

[seaj]

Originally Posted by GoldenSunshine

My phals got sunburned on Christmas eve, the sun I guess is to strong here no matter what time of the year.

Here in the bay it has been abnormally warm for this time of year, but so far the plants seem to be enjoying all of the sunshine.