Kingt82

I had bought a Manini that I placed in a 60% potting mix 40% perilite. I had it under artificial lighting in a heated shed for the first month due to cold weather outside. Watered it lightly once a week but leaves were drooping due to low humidity (20%). It did put out one new leaf. I did check it once and saw new roots growing. My mistake was when I moved it from the low humidity shed to the high humidity greenhouse. I watered it the same (still light) but now it was in a 60-80% humid environment. Hence, the soil stayed moist for much longer. I did have air circulation but it wasn't strong enough imo. The stalk and leaves didn't show any issues but when I grabbed the pot it was in, the stalked swayed. I pulled back the soil some and saw that the corm had rotted and was now hollowed out. Stalk was barely hanging to corm. The growing point was gone. Needless to say I was very disappointed.

For next time, I'm doing a couple of things different.

1. Using a clear pot initially to watch root growth and moisture in pot.
2. Using a 60% mix vermiculite and 40% sandy top soil. Better drainage.
3. Temps in greenhouse had dropped to 55F some nights during winter. Will insulate non sunny sides to keep temp about 65F. Heater won't have to work as hard at night. Cold and wet are never a good combo.
4. Not watering pot at all if its humid in greenhouse.
5. Got a stronger fan this time around.
6. I think I will get one of those soil moisture probes this time around.

I build an enclosure for the cold months every year. Usually in October and comes down completely in May time frame. Temps vary from 65-95F inside. Its usually 20-25 degrees warmer than outside. Will put plant in ground during warm months.