Growing Lights?

[The Orchid Kid]

Aswell as getting the lights have a look at other kinds of orchids that don't mind shade. Paphiopedilums are very lovely and don't need lots of light. Even better for shady areas as Masdevallia, which are generally quite compact with nice leaves and kite shaped flowers.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by The Orchid Kid

Aswell as getting the lights have a look at other kinds of orchids that don't mind shade. Paphiopedilums are very lovely and don't need lots of light. Even better for shady areas as Masdevallia, which are generally quite compact with nice leaves and kite shaped flowers.

How difficult for beginners are they to take care of? I am just getting into the orchid world, so I am not that confident right now.

[The Orchid Kid]

I'm kind of new to it too, but have both!

Masdevallia don't like to get dry, so keep them moist, but not saturated. Paphs are similar in care to Phals - grow all year round, but water and feed less in winter.
They don't like to dry out too much either.

Non of mine have flowered yet, as I bought them as young plants, but a month on and they seem v.healthy with minimal care really.

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by butterfly_muse

How difficult for beginners are they to take care of? I am just getting into the orchid world, so I am not that confident right now.

paphs are very easy, I am growing my paph better then my phals! If you want some easy orchids I would most definitely get a paph

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by mothorchidgirl

paphs are very easy, I am growing my paph better them my phals! If you want some easy orchids I would most defiantly get a paph

Lol, thanks! I'll keep that in mind!

[ginnibug]

Butterfly, I think you should do a little visit to your area orchid society. The National Capital Orchid SocietyThe National Capital Orchid Society | Meetings You lucky duck! If you could go to that tonight they have THE mini cattelya guy there. I want to go!!!! Anyway the point that I was TRYING to make was that the society members are going to have SOOOOOO much info for you, it will make your head spin!!!!

[Katsols]

Hey just jumping here sorry, i also have a northwest window but i keep my plants under a different kind of light, Sun System® HPS 150 Grow Light it's a high pressure sodium bulb. I was wondering if i should use a different bulb metal halide or something, there are so many choices but i don't know which is best Lamps | Sunlight Supply, Inc. - Indoor Gardening Supplies, Grow Lights, Hydroponics, and Lighting

Thank you =]

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by ginnibug

Butterfly, I think you should do a little visit to your area orchid society. The National Capital Orchid SocietyThe National Capital Orchid Society | Meetings You lucky duck! If you could go to that tonight they have THE mini cattelya guy there. I want to go!!!! Anyway the point that I was TRYING to make was that the society members are going to have SOOOOOO much info for you, it will make your head spin!!!!

But it's Tuesday! xD And I am not really in Washington, D.C., I'm in Maryland. =) I just put the region cuz I'm paranoid. Not that D.C. is that far of a skip, though, lol.

Edit: I changed my state. =X Now I'm not a fibber anymore, hehe.

[Guillaume]

Hi, I grow my orchids (ranging from light hungry dendrobiums etc to sensitive phals) in a 3 x 3 meter room. I installed a single 400 watt 6000 k metal halide globe which gives enough light to the whole room. I constantly measure the lux output and find that at a 1 m distance I get > 60000 lux and > 30000 lux at 2 m. Because it "soft" artificial light my plants don't burn or suffer over exposure. MH is also less exspensive to buy than 20 x flouresent tubes and fixtures. It does use more electrisity, but not so as to bankrupt. Depending on how you grow, it is my opinion that MH globes are far better than fluorescent which has to be near the plant.

[Katsols]

Originally Posted by Guillaume

Hi, I grow my orchids (ranging from light hungry dendrobiums etc to sensitive phals) in a 3 x 3 meter room. I installed a single 400 watt 6000 k metal halide globe which gives enough light to the whole room..

I'm not an expert on bulbs but is metal halide better than sodium or are they the same?