Looking for Light Recommendations

[Pinkeed]

So long story short, we moved 3 times in the last couple of months and I lost a lot of orchids and African Violets in the process. I'm now looking at lighting up 2 shelves that are in front of a tall and skinny window in a room that's on the dark side with possibility adding more lights later. The shelves are standard 48 in x 18 in wire shelves. I have some moth orchids, several African violets (about a shelf full), dove orchid, 2 catasetums, sedirea japonica, 3 paphs, 1 phrag, 1 vanda, and a zygolum that I don't think will make it after the moves.

I saw a lot of people like the sunblasters, but I'm not sure if they will give off enough light for my situation. And I think I would need 2 per shelf or more. I saw the led feit electric plant lights at Home Depot, only 2 ft though so I would have to connect them together and they give off a pinkish hue (which I haven't decided if I am ok with or not). Plus, connecting them together leaves a gap in the middle. So looking for some suggestions, preferably light fixtures that don't take up a lot of space because I would like to fit more shelves in the future. Lights would be in close proximity to the plants. Do most people go with white leds now?

Other information: There's a pine tree maybe 10 ft from the window to the left that blocks some of the light. We will be getting it cut down sometime this year bc it is leaning towards my neighbor's house. Other house also blocks the light because it is much taller than ours. Eventually, we are hoping to convert our attached shed into a greenhouse (very little blocking the light there!).

[Dollythehun]

I use Sunblasters. The eye doctor recommend recommends I wear sunglasses when working with my orchids. Either lights will work. I bloom Dialalias and Catts with them and my tree situation is similar. Please don't overthink this.

[Pinkeed]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I use Sunblasters. The eye doctor recommend recommends I wear sunglasses when working with my orchids. Either lights will work. I bloom Dialalias and Catts with them and my tree situation is similar. Please don't overthink this.

I really try not too, but I can't help it. I do this with everything. I'll admit the whole footcandles to lumens thing confuses me. As much as I try to understand it, I just don't. Are the Sunblasters white leds or more of a pink? I'm guessing I would need at least 2 per shelf due to width, not sure if I could get away with one.

[Dollythehun]

They are white. Some of my shelves have two, some only one. Plants are arranged as to light needs. Every one of us has an area of expertise. Lots of engineers and scientific kinds here. Your mind will quickly be spinning with suggestions and you'll have even more trouble making a decision. Keep it as simple as possible while meeting the basic needs.

[Pinkeed]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

They are white. Some of my shelves have two, some only one. Plants are arranged as to light needs. Every one of us has an area of expertise. Lots of engineers and scientific kinds here. Your mind will quickly be spinning with suggestions and you'll have even more trouble making a decision. Keep it as simple as possible while meeting the basic needs.

Thanks! I think I'll give the ones from Sunblaster or Hydrofarm a go (didn't realize they were making leds, just knew them from T5s) and see what happens.

Edit: Hydrofarm lists the Sunblasters under their led strips. Other places are calling it Jump Start. So these lights might actually be made by the same company (just thought people should know).

[Pinkeed]

I don't know if this is the right spot for this but....I want to save others the trouble.

Update and a Warning:
I ordered 2 of the 4 foot sunblasters from Amazon Prime. They came used and missing parts. So do not order your Sunblasters from there. Really not a great experience, waiting on refund.

[Dollythehun]

I've order from them. Mine were perfect. Try Harris Seeds.

[Pinkeed]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I've order from them. Mine were perfect. Try Harris Seeds.

Thanks! I'm not sure why mine arrived that way, but they did. Not sure if Amazon Prime always uses the same seller for those or whoever is closest.

[Dollythehun]

Try again, you'll be happy with them.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Pinkeed

Thanks! I'm not sure why mine arrived that way, but they did. Not sure if Amazon Prime always uses the same seller for those or whoever is closest.

Go back to Amazon, and check "Your Orders". Look at the listing. It'll tell you who sold it.