Decorative Task Lamp for a Plant Light?

[Mountaineer370]

Can I use this floor lamp for a light over my orchids? It takes a 27W fluorescent bulb that is said to be "full spectrum," 1715 lumens, 6500 Kelvin.

Amazon.com: Verilux Heritage Deluxe Natural Spectrum Floor Lamp, Classic All Metal Design, Antiqued Brushed Nickel: Home Improvement

As I've discussed here on the board previously, I have only a small collection of orchids that I keep on my kitchen/dining room table. They are in front of a large, unobstructed, south-facing window, but it's been suggested that they are not getting enough light, and that is why I have trouble getting anything to bloom. I have rehomed all my plants except for Phals and Paphs, and I currently have three Phals blooming, but that is a record for me (and a pleasant surprise). So far, none of my Paphs have rebloomed here.

Supplemental lighting in the form of hanging a strip over the table is out of the question. So I'm looking for opinions on whether this light would do any good at all. Would it be better than nothing, or would it just be a waste of money?

[Dollythehun]

I actually looked into one of those. I think the one I was looking at was Hydrofarm from Amazon. I swore I would NEVER again response to a thread with the word "lights" in the title, so I'm bowing out now. (But, as an un-expert grower, I think it's a decent solution).

[WaterWitchin]

I don't know the answer, but that's sure a pricey lamp. Is it the lamp itself you like? Because there's a lot of cheaper ones out there and you could always change out the bulb to something higher light if necessary.

---------- Post added at 08:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

...I swore I would NEVER again response to a thread with the word "lights" in the title, so I'm bowing out now....

Actually, more than once. Best solution... stop saying "NEVER."

[Dollythehun]

WW: yes, the ones I looked at were well under $75.00 but, Cheri wants it in her living area. So, it needs to look acceptable.

Since it was Cheri, I decided to break my rule.

[Mountaineer370]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

WW: yes, the ones I looked at were well under $75.00 but, Cheri wants it in her living area. So, it needs to look acceptable.

Ha-ha, Carol, you know me well! Yes, the room where my orchids are is a kitchen/dining combo that is directly adjacent to my living room, and it is indeed the main living area of our home. The light needs to be something that both my husband and I can live with, appearance-wise. My plan would be to have two of them, one on either end of the somewhat long table.

I actually already have one of the Verilux lamps that I bought for a reading lamp in my bedroom. I don't especially care for the ghostly ultra-white color of the light for reading, though, and have gotten a different light for that purpose. It's still in my bedroom, though, and I turn it on on gloomy days to light up the few plants (non-orchids) that are in that room in a north window.

I looked up the Hydrofarm light that you mentioned, and I will say it could possibly be acceptable. I would prefer the looks of the Verilux, but I bet the Hydrofarm is a lot lighter in weight, which might be handy if I end up moving it around much. The good thing is that they both take exactly the same light bulb, and since the Hydrofarm is advertised as a plant light, I don't see why the Verilux wouldn't work just as well. Yes, it's pricier, but not prohibitively so.

I think I will check some of the local hydroponics stores and see if they have a Hydrofarm light I could actually see in person to make a decision.

I welcome any other opinions, suggestions, ideas, if anyone else wants to weigh in.

[Dollythehun]

Cheri, the reason I looked at that lamp (and may still get one) is that my Reed Stem Epidendrum and Cymbs are so tall, it's hard to get them under lights. I crammed them on a shelf but it hasn't worked out well.

[orchidsarefun]

This one seems better....at least in terms of flexibility

Verilux Original SmartLight LED Floor Lamp Full Spectrum Energy-Efficient Natural Light for Reading, Artists, Crafts Dimmable - Adjustable Gooseneck Task Light Verilux Original SmartLight LED Floor Lamp Full Spectrum Energy-Efficient Natural Light for Reading, Artists, Crafts Dimmable - Adjustable Gooseneck Task Light - - Amazon.com

[Mountaineer370]

Thanks, everyone, for the replies. I'll probably end up with a couple of floor lamps like the ones discussed here. I know it's not the ideal supplemental lighting arrangement, but my options are limited. Hopefully, it will be enough to make the orchids a little bit happier.

[Leafmite]

Good luck!