Easiest to grow under lights

[Jill H]

From what I have read it seems species orchids are the hardest to grow under lights, then hybrids, then mericlones. I have a 48in. 4 light T5 setup. I would like to expand my collection. As of now I have 3 phap,8 phal, and many African violets growing under the lights.
I have another fixture with the T5 to set up, but would like to know any other orchids that will grow and bloom under lights.
Thanks for any help...
Jill

[Ray]

Jill, I think you're misinterpreting things. ANY plant can be grown under artificial lights - if the light AND the rest of your conditions are what the plants need.

The thing is that species tend to have very specific needs, while hybrids can develop something of a less-specific, averaged or broadened set of required conditions. As a clone can be of a species or of a hybrid, I don't see how they would be less specific than either.

[quiltergal]

Hi Jill, I grow under 48" T5s and I'm growing several different species plants with great success. I think Ray is right, you have to find the specific culture each one likes to keep them happy.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Jill H

From what I have read it seems species orchids are the hardest to grow under lights, then hybrids, then mericlones. I have a 48in. 4 light T5 setup. I would like to expand my collection. As of now I have 3 phap,8 phal, and many African violets growing under the lights.
I have another fixture with the T5 to set up, but would like to know any other orchids that will grow and bloom under lights.
Thanks for any help...
Jill

Jill, you are one step along the road to a rewarding hobby. As the others have said lighting is just one part of the formula. I also grow under t5 lights. I have an orchidarium where I grow the high-moisture loving plants and I have a south-facing grow window where I grow the dry-tolerant plants. I use CF bulbs (T5) even here because full sunlight is undependable indoors.

Now the next steps are basically:

What growing conditions are you best suited to provide? Low humidity?

How often do you plan to water, based on your daily schedule? Are you able to "baby" plants every day (like I do ) or are you planning on checking in every so often in your busy schedule?

Recognize that tall growing plants, with taller spikes, will not adapt as well as lower growing plants like Paphs or Phals. Even then the flower spikes may be something to deal with.

There are many issues to consider before coming up with a list of plants. I think once you read this over and think about it, you might want to readdress this question with a list of parameters you feel comfortable providing. Then many here wil start suggesting plants you would be happy with. Species vs hybrids has never been an issue for me, so I don't think that enters into the equation as long as you understand the plants' needs. Ray is right on (as usual) in stating the species have a narrower range of tolerance in their requirements. That doesn't make them harder to grow, just more specific in their needs. I grow nearly 100 widely different species under two very general sets of conditions - warm and wet and cool and dry. Does this help?

[Jill H]

Thank you both, I had just read growing orchids under lights by the AOS and that is what they had printed.
( this was an older book). I do have 5 onc growing in a southern window and they are doing well with new spikes. Ross where did you get, or how did you make the new CF hanging bulbs? I could use something like that to supplement my onc. in the winter.
I have 2 cool mist humidifiers going in the house, and the humidity levels read 70 percent most of the time, as I also set them on humidity trays. I do pay a lot of attention to my plants checking them daily. So far all of my plants look healthy, and showing new growth. The phals continue to put out new buds. I am going to slowly convert to S/H a few plants at a time as I would hate to lose any, but hoping this helps with the daily maintenance.
I hope to post pictures soon...between the plants and working, the day flies by.
Ray, Thank you,
The onc plant arrived safe and sound. Can't wait to get a spike!
Jill

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Jill H

Ross where did you get, or how did you make the new CF hanging bulbs?
Jill

Jill, I made them. I use the 105 watt "full spectrum" model from here 105 Watt Compact Fluorescent the one at the top of page. I purchased some in-line sockets at Home Depot as well as 12 foot extension cords. Here is close-up

Hope this helps. Lights are on a appliance timer.