Greetings From Wisconsin

[Kelly R.]

I just joined your site and am very new at growing orchids. I am Kelly from the Milwaukee area in Wisconsin. I am 33 years old and just discovered orchids and love them. I got my first phalaenopsis orchid 2 weeks ago and got 2 more this past week. I am looking to expand my collection and get some lighting to help out my orchids in our cold and short Wisconsin days. Also just wanted to drop by and introduce myself. I look forward to getting advice where I can and give advice where I can even though I have limited experience.

[jai_star]

Welcome to the orchid world! All the way from New Zealand

[Jenn4a]

Welcome! That's how it starts... A phal.
What kind of lighting?
In a pinch, clamp lamps and a cfl bulb are good. I have a 75W (250-300W equivalent) bulb that I like. I mainly use it for new orchids. Aim for a bulb with 6000K+ for color temp; maybe someone could give you more specifics as most of my fixtures came with grow bulbs included. (6400k and 6500K)
I personally prefer T5HO lights. I have both 24W, and 39W fixtures. I like them because they fit under shelving, and the light seems to be more even. It depends on the space you have, and what you prefer
I get a lot of stuff from amazon, and eBay. Sometimes even Menard's, for fans, timers, mini greenhouses on sale... For things I can't find through amazon and eBay, I've used Repotme.com (certain bark mix, and substrate.)

I will also add that getting a small fan for air movement is beneficial.

[Daethen]

Welcome from a fellow Wisconsinite! I am from the other side of the state. Be very careful, you have just contracted a disease for which there is no cure. We are all affected and we don't mind it a bit. I went from 1 to over 100 in a little over a year. Back down to 16 due to power failure in the greenhouse, but that will be remedied!

[silken]

Welcome to Orchid Board. If you are buying lighting, buy enough to accommodate more orchids, since that is what happens when you catch this orchid addiction

[DeaC]

Just give in and set aside an entire room! Welcome.

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

[WhiteRabbit]

[RJSquirrel]

5 YEARS laters here my 1 phal



I cant even find it anymore

Have fun!!!

[Kelly R.]

Hi all and thanks for the warm welcome. Definitely a disease. I acquired 3 more orchids just today! If anyone is interested in hearing about it I posted more details under my lighting forum post in the beginner category.