New setup for indoor orchids

[Azmahhh]

Hi guys!
I am new to the forum. Moved from the tropics (where growing orchids outdoors was the norm) to the bone-chilling northeast! So had to figure out a way to keep orchids indoors. After much reading, I decided to go with T5HOs, I have two shelves with 2ft fixtures 4 bulbs (24w), with 2 3000K and 2 6400K. I made humidity trays with egg crates. And just waiting on a small fan for air movement. Humidity keeps 50-70%, temps 68-78F.

Currently have phals, 3 oncidiums and 1 catt under there. I assume this should be enough light? oncidiums and catts are 6" to near touching the lights; the lights don't get warm as such. The phals I have kept 12" away. Just set it up 3 days ago. Expecting a few more plants.

What do you guys think? Any suggestions? Do I need more light?

[Dollythehun]

My opinion is the Oncidiums are too close. Even though they don't seem hot, T5s can burn your plants. Watch your leaf color. Catts should be pale grass green, Oncidiums should slightly blush. My phals needed to be further away than that. However your setup looks nice.

[Pattywack]

I have to agree with Dolly, Oncidiums are going to burn. I have close to this same setup and I would advise you to put something under that stand or the mumidity and water will trash your floor. I use a floor pan from a dog crate under my shelves, fits perfectly and also catches any mess from plants you may have. Easy to fit a vacuum attachment underneath to help keep things tidy as well.

This looks nice! Oh and welcome to the forum! Plenty of helpful, friendly members here.


I can not tell from your pictures so just a helpful hint: if the wire shelves are only sitting on the support poles they are fairly easy to bump and cause a disaster. I used zip ties at each corner to secure the wire shelf. I have miniature orchids and dumping a shelf full of these little ones would be a problem for me.

[Azmahhh]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

My opinion is the Oncidiums are too close. Even though they don't seem hot, T5s can burn your plants. Watch your leaf color. Catts should be pale grass green, Oncidiums should slightly blush. My phals needed to be further away than that. However your setup looks nice.

Thanks for the tip! As predicted, one leaf tip did burn.. but thanks to you, I caught it in time and he plant looks great otherwise!

Originally Posted by Pattywack

I have to agree with Dolly, Oncidiums are going to burn. I have close to this same setup and I would advise you to put something under that stand or the mumidity and water will trash your floor.

I can not tell from your pictures so just a helpful hint: if the wire shelves are only sitting on the support poles they are fairly easy to bump and cause a disaster. I used zip ties at each corner to secure the wire shelf. I have miniature orchids and dumping a shelf full of these little ones would be a problem for me.

Thanks for the tips! I added a boot tray to catch the stray/dripping water, and the debris/leaves that fall. And I did secure the shelves with zip ties, feels more sturdy now!

I adjusted the heights so they're 6-12" away from the oncidiums/cats, and 12" from the phals. I added a paph sort of shaded between the phals, and 2 tolumnias!

Super excited to be here. I also joined the local orchid society so will be going to the first meeting on Monday. Have just moved so it will be the best way to meet up with local enthusiasts

New picture below. Have one quick question, how do I position the fan? I found one on clearance at Walmart for $2!! (someone's return probably), runs with a USB/5V, blows air which I feel is adequate. I had read orchids don't like droughts/wind so just wondering how should I position it. Right now i have it so the air literally circulates like a convectional current.

Thank you!

[Dollythehun]

I can't help you with your fan, but I can tell you that the plants need to have the air circulate around them.

You can also position your higher light plants toward the middle of the tubes and your lower light plants toward the ends. your Tolumnias need to dry out fast and have high light if they start to turn red, that's too much light for them, they should just blush.

[WaterWitchin]

Welcome! I have my fan so it blows over the top of the orchids, not on them. I used to position so you could see leaves move a bit... was too much for my growing conditions. It's air movement, but doesn't need to be direct. You may find it different with the covered shelving. Mine dried out too quickly, but I struggle with humidity in the winter.

Sounds like you've got the right idea... blowing in a convection current without actually being on the plants.

[Azmahhh]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

You can also position your higher light plants toward the middle of the tubes and your lower light plants toward the ends. your Tolumnias need to dry out fast and have high light if they start to turn red, that's too much light for them, they should just blush.

I will do just that- the oncidium I moved more towards the outer center since I saw more yellowing.. Tolumnias are blushing but the pots are tiny so I'll have to keep my eye on them. Thanks!

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Welcome!
Sounds like you've got the right idea... blowing in a convection current without actually being on the plants.

The fan is not strong enough, so I might get a something a little stronger.. I put it face up on the bottomshelf and couldnt feel any air movement at the top shelf. Thank you for the welcome!

PS. I added mylar on the inside.. was suggested by the local hydroponic store, he grows catts in his store. I am finally satisfied with everything!