Best way to transition orchids to new growing setup

[KokeshiHappyGreen]

As per Philip's suggestion, I will soon be upgrading my lighting. Also as I currently have rescue orchids and a seedling little stars, I have them on top of aseedling heat mat to encourage roots and new growth; my room temp is 72-72F and mat raises temp to 77-79F. I also am planning on getting a P. cochleata soon.

Once I get the upgraded lighting set up, what would be the best way to adjust my orchids, esp as they are recovering and/or young?

Should I raise the little star seedling closer to the light? (the light will have to accommodate my much taller recovering Oncidium burgundian); the mini phals I will not raise, as they of course will not need as much light.

And as an aside, should I keep them on the heat mat till they've recovered more?

Thanks.

[jkofferdahl]

72 degrees should be fine. I'm doubt you need the heat mat. If the conditions - light, temperature, humidity - are acceptable to the plants then they'll adjust.

P cochleata is an interesting choice. What other minis do you grow? Mine will tolerate intermediate temperatures but don't do much. Of the minis I grow, cochleata will tolerate a bit more light than others, especially the semi- and deciduous ones. If by "little stars", you mean Brassavola, that plant's light needs are much higher than those of cochleata.

[nogreenthumbs]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

P cochleata is an interesting choice. What other minis do you grow? Mine will tolerate intermediate temperatures but don't do much. Of the minis I grow, cochleata will tolerate a bit more light than others, especially the semi- and deciduous ones.

Prosthechea/Encyclia cochleata was strongly recommended in this thread by King Philip.

[Leafmite]

My only problem I had when switching to growing under T5HO lights was the lower humidity. Previously, I had been growing the orchids in a window with plenty of other plants so my orchids enjoyed high humidity. The Brassavola will like more light but it is always best to raise it higher gradually so it can adapt, especially if it has not been in high light before putting it under lights.

Good luck with your new set up!

[KokeshiHappyGreen]

Thanks for your replies and suggestions everyone! I'll just gradually adjust my high light gal (brassavola) closer to the light. Will keep track of any humidity changes and adjust as needed, as well as temps.

The P/encyclia cochleata was recommended due to its pretty "bullet proof" nature. And my set up will Mainly be for it. But I don't want to lose ground on my rescues...especially my little stars, as she now has Two New fast growing growths, enlargement of an older one, and what looks like a thick root coming off of an older Pbulb!
I'll keep you guys posted 👍🏻

[nogreenthumbs]

Originally Posted by KokeshiHappyGreen

my little stars, as she now has Two New fast growing growths, enlargement of an older one, and what looks like a thick root coming off of an older Pbulb!
I'll keep you guys posted 👍🏻

Hey, that's great news!!

[KokeshiHappyGreen]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

72 degrees should be fine. I'm doubt you need the heat mat. If the conditions - light, temperature, humidity - are acceptable to the plants then they'll adjust.

Ok that's good to know. In fact, if my mini phals make it (not very sure about that), based on an article Philip shared (don't have link handy) it may work better to have the heat mat on in the Evening, during the period when phals can be encouraged to bloom...vs during the Day and cooler temps at night as is usually suggested.

P cochleata is an interesting choice. What other minis do you grow? Mine will tolerate intermediate temperatures but don't do much. Of the minis I grow, cochleata will tolerate a bit more light than others, especially the semi- and deciduous ones. If by "little stars", you mean Brassavola, that plant's light needs are much higher than those of cochleata.

I only have Rescue orchids at the moment. Mishmash (in my inexperienced newbie over enthusiasm!): 2 mini phals, 1 oncidium Burgundian, 1 Brassavola little stars. Philip suggested the Prosthecea cochleata or related. (Since I'm having problems finding any in stock anywhere, I may just see how my rescues declare themselves for now; go from there with any new purchases. Truthfully it is my seedling Brassavola that's showing the most promise. If that's what I end up with, then I'll get further lighting if needed and maybe do more in the Cattleya family....or Just the little stars for awhile to get more experience.)

I know they have diff light needs, but right now the minis are not getting burned and the highest need little stars while not olive with purple spots, is not super dark green. I will be adding a more direct overhead light as soon as order comes in. Then I will readjust which orchids need what as far as light goes. I will also finally be getting a light meter so I can be more exact in telling you guys about my conditions, as well as fine tuning my orchid's needs 👍🏻

---------- Post added at 01:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:46 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Leafmite

My only problem I had when switching to growing under T5HO lights was the lower humidity. Previously, I had been growing the orchids in a window with plenty of other plants so my orchids enjoyed high humidity. The Brassavola will like more light but it is always best to raise it higher gradually so it can adapt, especially if it has not been in high light before putting it under lights.

Good luck with your new set up!

Thanks!

I will be getting just a 100W full spectrum CFL bulb, so it shouldn't affect the humidity like your HO bulbs, since they don't get hot.

If I forgo my heat mat That will change the humidity; it raises it...though of course it also drops my temps. Never goes below 72 though so I think would be ok?

---------- Post added at 01:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:52 PM ----------

Originally Posted by nogreenthumbs

Hey, that's great news!!

Thanks! Yes it's very encouraging! Will post pics and keep everyone updated at some point.