Years ago I got a case of Paralite Spectra 5900-MB F40 T12 fluorescent light bulbs for my birds. Here's a link for the bulbs: Spectra 5900 48" F40-T12 MB
As a definite newbie I'd appreciate any feedback on what you think of my using these lamps for my 'chids.
Conny, I would use them. They have a high color rendition score, so the plants should look more natural.
The orchids that do well under lights here haven't been overly picky - I've even used cheap tubes that make them look washed out - but they grew and bloomed.
The amount of light is more important than the spectrum, within reason, and those tubes look reasonable
Conny, the specification looks good, High CRI makes the plant look natural and the color temperature, 5900K is spot on.
Add a decent reflector and put as many as you can pver your orchid as the light output is not that great per area for T12. They are quite thick.
Thanks for your input! I had of course scanned the lighting forum for useful information before posting, but there's sooo much out there...
This is my orchids' first winter inside and they look good so far. Color rendition very natural on both plants and my birds. Four plants currently in spike/bud (one of them an Aerangis citrata-- I am soooo excited!).
Unfortunately, I just discovered some clusters of tiny brown spots underneath several leaves of my spiking Miltassia Royal Robe 'Jerry's Pick.' Still in the process of figuring that one out...
Thanks again!