Hello w/questions

[dupree1977]

So I've traded one obsessive hobby for another. My music collection got so big that I couldn't stand it anymore! I found orchids by accident, but I can already tell they are going to take over my life

Here is my current situation: my wife is kicking the plants and I out of the kitchen (best window in the house) to the basement. My mother heard of my plight and purchased two 160w Wonderlite bulbs and assorted other growing paraphernalia for me as an early Christmas present. I am wondering if anyone has used these lights or knows anything about them?

Also, when I make my eventual move to the basement, how long on/off should I leave the lights? 12/12? Also, since it gets colder at night but is still warm under the bulbs, would it matter if I ran the bulbs at night and left them off during the day? (there would be a very small amount of light in the daytime from the pathetic basement windows) Any tips or suggestions for the novice basement grower?

I've been enjoying many of the pics in the forums and I'm looking forward to posting some of my own (someday). I'm a newbie all over again! This seems like a great community--nice to meet you all!

[shakkai]

Welcome to Orchid Board!! I'm sorry I can't help with details on your lighting questions. But I wanted to say 'Hi' and welcome you to what has to be the best place on the internet for orchids!

There is a whole section here on growing under lights, so you might be able to pick up some tips reading through the previous threads here:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...-under-lights/

What kinds of orchids are you growing? Knowing what types you are dealing with can help people give you better advice as the lighting requirements vary so much from high light Cattleyas to low light Phalaenopsis, and lots in between!

[Caroll]

Hi,

I am new to the site and would like to answer your question before I introduce myself. (Which I will od in a seperate post) I have used 'growlights' on my Bonsai and have not had an enourmous amount of success. I feel that the plants do need natural light. I am still experimenting with the amount of time the lights are on, but it has made no difference in growth. I have not had the lights long enough to notice a difference in flowering. I do believe however that plants do need a resting period. Maybe you can experiment on your side and I will continue on my side and maybe come up with a plan and then get very rich to support our addictions ;-)

[shakkai]

Ross should chime in here soon - I believe that he is growing (very successfully!) completely under artificial light in his basement. All the talk of T-whatevers though makes my head spin, so I'll leave all of that to the experts that actually use them! I do know that several of the threads referenced above offer recommendations on what type bulbs are best for growing orchids.

Good luck to both of you in your orchid growing!

[cb977]

Hi Dupree

We have a number of folks having great success with the use of artificial lighting. Take a look through the posts in the link that shakkai provided for you (Thanks shakkai...you saved me a step )

What types of 'chids are you growing?

You'll find tons of information here from folks all around the world...all you need to do is ask

(Way to go for your Mom! What a great gift!!! )

[Buds!]

Hi dupree,
Welcome to the OB!
Orchid growing is a wonderful and fulfilling hobby!
We are all here to share our orchid growing experiences! You may also want to check out the Pet and Connoisseur section of the forum!

I know that there are many 'artifical lighting' experts here, so stick around!

[Tindomul]

Welcome to the ORchid Board Dupree. Tricking the orchids into thinking night is day and day is night is fine. The only problem is it will always be dark when you show off your collection during the day.
I've never heard of wonderlite bulbs, will have to look it up.
Most people who grow their orchids under artificial lights leave the lights on for 14 hours. Less during the winter if you want to simulate seasonal changes.