Hi I wouldn't worry too much about those roots at the surface as the tree looks very healthy and there will be a load more roots doing their job below the surface ;) It looks quite dry to me though.. Cheers :)

What kind of light? Wattage? Al

Very clever set up. How about using a humidity tray? I grow my orchids on a boot tray with grids that is about four feet by 15 inches. I don't enclose them because they need good air circulation too. If you could rig up a small fan at one end with a small vent at the other, you might get the right balance of ventilation, humidity and heat.

Janet: As you remember, the pertinent sentence gives the reason - "to eliminate the possibility of the fungal diseases overwintering." "In the fall, after a heavy frost, remove and destroy the stems of garden peonies down to 3 inches from the soil surface to eliminate the possibility of the fungal diseases overwintering." Given the fact that this information comes from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension service and given the fact that the climate in North Carolina can be rather humid - thus aiding in the fostering of fungal disease - I believe it to be good advice - even though you might live in a drier climate where fungal diseases might not be a great or moderate matter of concern. Of course, not only should you cut the stems/leaves down, but you should be certain to remove them from around the plant and toss them into the garbage. I used to live on the tallgrass prairie of central Illinois - Peoria and now live in northwestern Michigan - Manistee. The humidity here in Michigan is somewhat less than in Peoria - especially during the summer, but the fall season can be a little wet in both places. Accordingly, I would follow the advice for our neck of the woods. I think it might be wise for you to do the same unless you hear otherwise from Peony growers in climates similar to yours. Again, best regards in your gardening efforts. Bill