Miltionopsis Seedlings under T5's

[orchidsarefun]

I am planning to experiment with the above in my basement. I have 2 Hydrofarm 4ft stands with High Output T5's. I have used them for veggie seedlings, but never orchids.
I have a concern about humidity levels ( maybe water trays, or in an aquarium? ), but the cooler basement should be perfect for the milts. They will be close to an underground basement window that gives a fair amount of natural light, and cooler temps.
Any suggestions ? How close to T5's as they grow ? How long do I leave the the lights on for ?
Thanks for any input.

[brammn]

Hiya,

I grow orchids under LED's (so similar light output to T5's) growing area is in the cellar - no natural light. The distance between the bench and the lights varies between 60 and 80 cms (plant distance varies depending on the size of the plant, closest is about 20cm though), I leave the lights on a timer for 12hrs a day. The young plants/seedlings are about 60cm from the lights. All plants are on humidity trays I usually achieve 60-80%, temp ranges from 55 to 75 this time of year.

I've tried 2 adult Miltoniopsis under the lights but results have varied, one isn't doing much at all (it's been out of flower for about 8 weeks and it's just sitting there, no signs of new growth yet but it seems happy enough), the other died unfortunately! :-S

Vanda's and Cattleyas seem to love it down there though and both grow like weeds!

I can post a photo if you want to see what it looks like?

Hope this is of some help!
Thanks
Nathan

[Brooke]

I would be worried about the heat from the lights if grown to close to them. Most Miltoniopsis prefer low light and cooler temps.

I think you should start them out fairly far from the lights and gradually increase the distance. If you get a pink tinge to the tips of the leaves, move them down again.

Brooke

[orchidsarefun]

thanks for the input. I will post photos later when I have set it all up.