my set-up

[Call_Me_Bob]

i have finally done it! here is my set up. this is my "phal shelf" i will set up the rest, after i buy more hooks. i think i may have the lights too far away. they are 20 inches away. the lights are t8 lights, with two fixtures under the shelf, so thats a total of 4 bulbs under the shelf.

[stefpix]

What tree are you training as bonsai? nice tray. what are the 2 orchids in the center between teh phals?
I think 20" may be way too far. can'you move the shelf up or the fixture down?

[nenella]

Congrats!
I'm still on at the widowsill stage but it's a wish of mine ........to get lights..I mean.
Unfortunately I cannot give you any feedback but hopefully more experts will.
I look forward to seeing how you get along (also 'cause If it works I'll have more ammo to convince the other half..to let me do this!)

[Royal]

Looks great! I see lots of room, though.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Stefpix- the between the phals, there is a neo falacata and an aloe hybrid

the tree is a hibiscus I will post pics of that one soon.

The lights at 13" away from the phals. I just put the pepper plant in too and the top leaves of the peppers are only 5" away from the lights.


There is SO much more space!! I have a shelf for catts and dens, but I need more hooks for the lights. I'll get them tomorrow.

As the for closeness of the lights. I will keep an eye on the leaf color of the phals.
Is there any kind of substitute for a light meter? Just together me into the ballpark?

[Becca]

If you don't have a light meter, the best thing to do is watch the color of the leaves....they will talk to you!

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by Becca

If you don't have a light meter, the best thing to do is watch the color of the leaves....they will talk to you!

Okay. That's what I was gonna do anyways.

Just to be clear, light green means to much sun, medium is good, and dark indicates to much light?

[Call_Me_Bob]

i have moved the phals closer to the lights. they are around 10" away from the lights

i put together my phal shelf a while ago, and i just put together my shelf for higher light chids, like catts. but i dont think they are getting enough light. they are around 3" away from the tubes

[Becca]

Originally Posted by help

Okay. That's what I was gonna do anyways.

Just to be clear, light green means to much sun, medium is good, and dark indicates to much light?

Well light green is good in most orchids in my opinion, especially with phals and catts. If a cattleya is receiving all the light it can handle, it will have a purplish redish blush to it, that is when you don't want to give it any stronger lighting. Some phal leaves have a purplish tint to the leaves, and I think it has something to do with the color of the blooms. I'm not an expert, just what I have observed in my own collection.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i have also observed that different plants naturally have different leaf colors. and as far as phals go, i think ive found the light that mine are happy in, however,that " perfect lighting" spot is no more. so my goal is to keep the leaves the same color. i figured out a good height to start with here The Plant Geek Chronicles: Basic Phalaenopsis Culture

im the one who commented, fyi