New Member/Orchid addict- Many questions! - Orchid Board

AmyG · #1 11-23-2013, 12:07 AM

Good Evening to all! I want to start out by saying "Thank You" to all involved in the discussions on this site. I've referred to it many times and learned a lot so far. The reason I final took the plunge and joined this Forum is that I just bought a new grow tent along with T5 lights. I have it located in the garage, and have placed (what I believe to be) my cool growing orchids in it. Any suggestions on providing air circulation and increasing humidity? I bought a small oscillating fan but I'm wondering about cam fans. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!

jeremyinsf · #2 11-23-2013, 12:11 AM

Welcome Amy!

I grow under lights.

Being in the tent and the heat created should cause an increase in humidity.

Are you monitoring it now and if so what is it at, and what is your goal?

What kind of T5 Lights are you using?

AmyG · #3 11-23-2013, 12:21 AM

Hi Jeremy.
I Just bought the thing and set it up today. I have not measured the humidity as of yet. I have a Coelogyne, Cymbidium, Zygos, Lycaste, Maxillaria, ADA, Brassia, Odont hybrids, Milts, Masd's, Phaius and Thunias in there. Wondering if I should put some Den's and Bulbo's in there too. I have a 2 ft. 4 bulb unit hanging and a single 2 ft. on the second shelf. I have 29 in there so far. As far as the "kind" of lights, Sunleaves Pioneer 4 JR's. I hope that helps and thanks for responding!

jeremyinsf · #4 11-23-2013, 12:30 AM

Highly suggest you get one of these or something like it:

Amazon.com - AcuRite 613 Indoor Humidity Monitor - Weather Stations

They aren't super accurate overall (like from a scientific point of view) but they are good for what they are and will give you a good sense of what's going on inside there over the course of a day. It's a really good use of $10.

You can also search for Light Meter apps for your iphone/android to get a sense on what the light is where the plants are. Again the same rules about not being scientifically accurate, but, they help with perspective.

In terms of what plants you can have under - I'm mostly paph's and phrags under my lights, and I use T5HO fixtures and bulbs, so I'm probably not the best person to make suggestions on that front. I do have a very healthy happy (huge) Maxillaria under my lights, but I gave up on Masdies inside as I live in SF and it's so easy to grow them outdoors here.

Where do you live?

Hopefully I've been able to help in some way! Don't forget to have fun with it all.

AmyG · #5 11-23-2013, 12:40 AM

Thanks Jeremy. I do have a humidity gauge but it was misplaced in a near frenzy when opening up my new birthday toy! I've been concerned about the regulated temp in my home so I thought I'd put the cooler loving ones in the garage. I live in N. KY (zone 6a) so temps are about to get below freezing at night. I'll check on those light meter apps and do some studying/experimenting. Oh, I have fun! My collection has grown from 2 to 92 in about 2 and a half years time! Thanks for your help!