Lighting Question

[mmorehead]

I am such a newbie to orchids, and I need some help in regard to artificial light. I am unable to place my orchids near a window for light due to our animals. I currently have a GE plant light (65 watt) and two Sylvania daylight bulbs (75 watts) pointed their direction, but fear it may not be enough. I am so confused on how to provide proper light for them (I have a total of 7 phals and 1 cattleya). I have read a plethora of articles and suggestions, and my head is spinning. I just need to have a good lighting system in place in a room that receives nearly no sunlight. Am I on the right track with what I'm currently doing, or do I need to do something entirely different?

I would greatly appreciate any advice in this matter. I want nothing but good health and longevity for them. Thanks!

_______________
Michael

[John]

Hi Michael I don't think there is a definitive answer for your question. I have used 4' four tube t12s, 4' four tube t8s, 4' four tube t5's and 500 watt and 800 watt high pressure sodium/metal halide fixtures and they all worked. Others on the forum have used CFLs and LEDs. I would say that on the low cost end a 4 tube 4' t8 fixture would work well. Keep it close to the plants for growing and raise it up when they spike. You can also use what you have. If the Phal leaves are dark green and the plant isn't showing growth then you need more light. If the Phal leaves are lighter green and have a little red along the edges the light is slightly too much for them but the Catt will love it. Now that I have bumped this up, I hope that you will get other opinions.

John

[billc]

Hi Michael, If I'm reading your post correctly, you have 3 individual bulbs, not fluorescent tubes, on your plants. I don't think that will be anywhere near enough light to get the phals to thrive.
I have some phals & paphs in the basement under lights and they do just fine. I have the phals under a 2 bulb T-12 4' fixture, about 4" above the leaves. The light-meter shows 700 foot-candles.
I think to reliably bloom a catt. you would need to get a T5 high output (HO). They can get pricey.

Bill