My Grow Space

[naoki]

Jen, Monkey is using house-hold CFL bulbs. It can cover relatively small area because you have to put them pretty close to the plants (e.g., 6"-12"), but you can grow plants with them. As I mentioned above, I would choose linear florescent light (e.g. shoplights) over CFL due to efficiency.

Gazpacho, in my measurement, humidity trays don't raise the humidity more than a few %. If the ambient RH is 20-30%, it is not easy to grow orchids with just humidity trays. It looks like that Monkey is using room humidifier, though.

[Monkey]

Well, Gazpacho. I personally don't think the tray does much for the humidity, more than anything it just gives me a convenient place to let the pots drain. I have an evaporative room humidifier that provides the humidity I need. You can see it to the left of the picture. Also the tray isn't proprietary, it's a plastic coke bottle flat turned upside down in a plain ol' plastic storage bin. The gauge does measure the humidity and the thermometer has a gauge as well. I usually just average the two because they are slightly different. Typically I get levels between 40-60%

[Monkey]

Also, I have a question for some of the more experienced growers on here. With my lights I am getting some red coloration on the leaves. It reminds me of the "tanning" you'd occasionally get on Nepenthes leaves under light that is too bright. Should I back the lights off a bit or just let the plants adjust?

Edit*: I can post pics if need, be as well.

[sailortom2]

just push back the lights a tad

[Monkey]

Well, apparently I'm doing something right. All of my orchids are showing new growth and my B. little stars is sending out a spike

[Paul Mc]

Congrats!!!!