Phal under T5 proper distance

[chantrelle]

Hello,

I don't really have any spot near windows that are protected from air draft and it still is kind of cold outside right now.

Therefore I want to place my Phal in some display shelves with one T5 to provide some light. But, I'm not to sure is the light would be to much for Phaleonopsis or enough.

In the picture, the neon appears to be right on top of the Phal but in reality it is about 4 inches behind it.

Could you please help me and tell me if that setting seems good or should I have the neon a little fatter a way from the flowers ?

Phal display by chantrell99, on Flickr

Thanks for your help,

[jkofferdahl]

How many bulbs are in the unit? Both the upper and lower appear to be single bulbs. I use 4-bulb units and distance my Phals more, but with a single bulb you should be fine.

[chantrelle]

Jkffererahl, thanks for the quick reply,

There is only one bulb (one neon tube) as my other T5's are presently being used for my perennials seedling.
(My succulents plants are going out door as soon as it gets warm enough).

After that, all my T5's will be for my futur Orchids.

I believed that for Phal, only 2 x T5 per 16 inches wide shelve at 12 inches high, were enough when they were not in bloom (either resting or growing). Shall I revise my plans ?

[jkofferdahl]

Mine are about a foot under my bulbs except those with taller spikes. I have no clue as to a "proper" distance. They're happy and productive. I'd say the upper plant, blooming, could use more light.

[chantrelle]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

Mine are about a foot under my bulbs except those with taller spikes. I have no clue as to a "proper" distance. They're happy and productive. I'd say the upper plant, blooming, could use more light.

It is good I ask. I was worried that I might get the blooming flower to wither because of too much light.

I read that Phal like about the same amount of sun as we do. Well I'm not much of a sun personne, I'm always running for some shade.

Well now I know better... Thanks.

[Sharon's Sheepdogs]

Two questions:

1. Is your T5 setup 'high output', both the fixture & bulb?

2. Do you know the wattage?

[chantrelle]

Originally Posted by Sharon's Sheepdogs

Two questions:

1. Is your T5 setup 'high output', both the fixture & bulb?

2. Do you know the wattage?

1. I'm sorry not sure I understand correctly this question. Did you mean the 'light output' ? It is 3627 Lumens

2. The wattage is 39 Watts / Lumens per Watt 93

The T5's I have are the T5H0 from Sunblaster. Here is the spec sheet for the 36" length one, which is the one on that shelve.

T5HO with Reflector - 36 Inch - SunBlaster Lighting

[Ray]

Put your hand about a foot from the plant's leaves. If you can barely discern a shadow, you have the right light level for phals.

[jkofferdahl]

Well put, Ray.

[chantrelle]

Originally Posted by Ray

Put your hand about a foot from the plant's leaves. If you can barely discern a shadow, you have the right light level for phals.

Thank you, nice and easy way to verify.

It exactly what I get, if my hand is close to the leaves I see a sadow put as I pull it away to about a foot I barely see it.