tabletop floralight

[latebloomer]

Hello,

It's been some time since I've been here to visit. Happy New Year!

I just wanted to ask if anyone's grown orchids with the tabletop floralight? I have mostly phalaenopsis and one paph. I think the floralight is intended for seedlings but I was thinking if I used less intense lights it might be ok.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thank you!

[mayres]

I have not grown with the specific brand you might be suggesting - but yes, am growing both paphs and phals VERY successfully under fluorescents - that appear to be similar to what you are suggesting (based on quickie google search). Do you have a pic of your specific unit or a link to one like it off the internet?

[Ross]

That was my thought as well. Can you provide a link? Not all lights are equal in output or functionality, despite the claims of the sellers.

[latebloomer]

Hello,

Thank you for your replies. Below is the site for the floralight. I was thinking of purchasing a used tabletop light for the orchids, but I was concerned that the close proximity to the light might damage the plants. I think there's 20" of space between the light bulbs and the tray. The unit I might purchase doesn't come with light bulbs, so I was thinking of going with regular fluorescent bulbs as those might be less intense?

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page...,44716&p=10549

Thank you!
Latebloomer

[let_it_grow]

The Bulbs they are suggesting say they are as close to natural sunlight as any fluorescent... not true. Light is a sticky subject, there are different things that you need to keep in mind. Colour temperature or Kelvin (K), i believe 6500k is considered full spectrum (good). The amount of light output in lumens or foot candles and this will depend on the plants needs, hight, mid or low. Since the bulb is not too far away from the plants you may be able to get away with t12 full spectrum bulbs. t12 are probably the bulbs you would be most familiar with, t8 bulbs look the same only thinner but actually give more light and lastly t5 are super skinny high output bulbs that would require a different ballast (so you dont need to worry about them )

[latebloomer]

T12 sounds ideal. Now all I have to do is go back and hope the unit is still available. Thank you all for your advice!