10K metal halide bulbs for orchids

[jcaballero]

Can I use 10K metal halide bulbs for my orchids? I know that for plants the recommended is 6700K, but I was wondering if this would work.

[Ray]

That's an aquarium bulb, not a plant light. The spectrum is supposed to simulate sunlight about 15- or so feet underwater.

It's probably usable, but 1) there will be a lot of wasted energy in a part of the spectrum the plants don't need, and 2) I'd be concerned that the excess blue might negatively affect flowering - I don't know it will; just a guess.

[jcaballero]

Originally Posted by Ray

That's an aquarium bulb, not a plant light. The spectrum is supposed to simulate sunlight about 15- or so feet underwater.

It's probably usable, but 1) there will be a lot of wasted energy in a part of the spectrum the plants don't need, and 2) I'd be concerned that the excess blue might negatively affect flowering - I don't know it will; just a guess.

can i use some 4000k bulbs? I wanted to get 175watt MH bulbs that are 6700k but they are too expensive.