Creating a new setup

[Cestrum0203]

Hey guys,
I'm relatively new to the world of orchid culture but have experience growing several other things. Yesterday, I went to an orchid show and bought 3 orchids, planning on growing them inside year round under grow lights but I'm running into some problems with finding out what lights will be sufficient for them. I have a Psychopsis papilio alba, a Phragmipedium Olaf Gruss, and a Maxillaria tenuiforia.
Would a 5500k 60 watt CFL in a clamp reflector lamp work? Would I need multiple bulbs? I've looked around and haven't been able to find a clear answer.

Thanks

[jeremyinsf]

How big is the phrag, and the max? The real question, is what is the space like that you are working with and what do you want to be able to do with it? Have you considered a 2 foot 2 bulb T5HO fixture? You would need to hang/suspend it somehow - but it might be a really good way to go. Many of us here swear by the T5's.

[orion141]

check out the t5HOs (t5 high output) made by hydrofarm and other companies. You can attach them to some of the relatively cheap wire shelving units sold by lowes/home depot. I am currently using a 4'x4 t5ho on a lowes black wire shelf to grow my orchids indoors. You can just end up varying the distance of the plants to the light to adjust for a different plants light requirements.

[Cestrum0203]

Thanks for the replies. I uploaded a picture of where I'd like to put them to give you an idea of their size and the size of the space. The problem with a hanging fixture would be the fact that the Psychopsis has a 3 or 4 foot inflorescence on it. I was thinking I could maybe clamp a lamp or something of that sort to the side of the table but I don't know if it could provide enough light for all 3. Right now I have off to the side of the light that I have hanging under the table just to give them at least a little bit until I get them a proper setup.

[jeremyinsf]

I have Psychopsis too.

You just set them under the lights in such a way that the plant itself is under the lights, and the spike grows off to a side or out in front (or something like that)

[orion141]

One of my oncidium hybrids has a 3' inflorescence also. I grow it under lights and do just what Jeremyinsf said. I had the spike come out in front of my lights.

[Cestrum0203]

A setup like that might be a bit too pricey for me. The space might be a bit small too, not to sound negative.

[jeremyinsf]

What are you looking to spend, total?

---------- Post added at 08:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:01 PM ----------

Pictures would help, as you suggested!

[Cestrum0203]

Ideally, like $25 or $30. I uploaded one picture on the original post but I could do a few more later when I get home.

[jeremyinsf]

Sorry, I didn't see that.

Yeah, the other lights will run you about 3x that much, for the 2 foot version.

Others might have some other suggestions.