(Laelia milleri x L. cinnabarina) x Sophronitis cernua - Page 2 - Orchid Board

whygreenberg · #11 08-29-2009, 12:49 AM

Thanks all!

Heya Sandy! I got this from Miranda Orchids last summer. It has been under entirely 100% unnatural light—sits about 6–8 inches directly under a 105 Watt CFL coily bulb. It's potted in pretty small granite chips, like pea gravel (seeing as that it's parentage is 50% rupicolous Laelia). I water it maybe twice a week. And it gets pretty strong air movement.

An interesting thing to me...I was expecting it to hold the bloom flat like the little Laelias do. So I was having a little anxiety when, after it opened—and the first day, it opened really pretty flat—it then closed up a bit. Realized that it must be holding the bloom more like the Soph. cernua parent, a bit cupped.

But yeah, I am absolutely thrilled with this one. The combination of tiny size and awesome color can't be beat.

Ross · #12 08-29-2009, 10:58 AM

It's really a great little plant, but Miranda doesn't list it right now. Guess it's only sometimes available.

Hera · #13 08-29-2009, 12:16 PM

That is the cutest little plant. Nice bloom.

Cookiemonster · #14 08-29-2009, 05:34 PM

That is the cutest thing!!!! Im glad your thrilled with it

nenella · #15 08-29-2009, 05:58 PM

Love the colour! & very cute plant! Congratulations!and thanks for sharing with us.

Sandy4453 · #16 08-31-2009, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whygreenberg

It has been under entirely 100% unnatural light—sits about 6–8 inches directly under a 105 Watt CFL coily bulb. It's potted in pretty small granite chips, like pea gravel (seeing as that it's parentage is 50% rupicolous Laelia). I water it maybe twice a week. And it gets pretty strong air movement.

Those energy saving bulbs that you find with regular light bulbs? Is the bulb covered by a shade, Yvan? I think I'm getting some new ideas, here.

whygreenberg · #17 08-31-2009, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

Those energy saving bulbs that you find with regular light bulbs? Is the bulb covered by a shade, Yvan? I think I'm getting some new ideas, here.

Yes, those coily energy saving bulbs! However, to really get enough foot candles for growing high light growers, you probably have to go online to find the right ones. The coily compact fluorescents that are readily available in big box stores, etc will never be a high enough wattage. Mine is 105 watts which equals 500 watts from a normal incandescent bulb. I got it here: 2 to 200 Watt Compact Fluorescent Bulbs : 1000Bulbs.com

You can see photos of my growing shelf (from back in Oct. last year) here: My set-up, Oct 2008 - Orchid Board Galleries and My set-up, Oct 2008 - Orchid Board Galleries

As you can see, I just have the bulb hanging, sans reflector or shade.

**Many many thanks to Ross for all I have come to know about the CFLs and for providing the link to that website!

Sandy4453 · #18 08-31-2009, 12:55 AM

I remember when you posted these pics, Yvan but funny, I never noticed the bulbs till now.

Thanks for the light bulb link. I'm definitely going shopping.

Ross · #19 08-31-2009, 08:50 AM

Another example of this type setup

I have been using this source for a few years now.

boytjie · #20 08-31-2009, 10:16 AM

Hi, Yvan - great setup. I remember seeing those pics earlier. Curious, is that 105-watt bulb is your only light source, and how big of an area does it cover? I assume you screw the bulb into one of those industrial-type fixtures like you can find at Home Depot? Thinking of trying this on one of my shelves, since it appears to provide a bit more room to grow a few taller plants. Thanks!