lack of lighting on a patio set-up

[Ocelaris]

hahaha, yeah, it's not too bad... but if you have any tinkering sort of friends, they might be able to whip something up. But hey, that's just what I like to do, and orchids have given me inspiration to try Cheers

[John]

Hi Sandy, I'm glad that you got some info. Just a couple of more thoughts...your plants outside are still getting some light, maybe not ideal but enough to get by until spring and since they will not be actively growing, the water needed will be less. Also if you have an area in your home about 2' x 4', you could get a shelving unit with lights and move your plants indoors. I have several in my growing area and I like them. If you put the computer desk together, the shelves would be no problem. If this is a posibility for you, let me know and I can send pictures of what I have been using. I know several others on this site are using these also and would be glad to offer suggestions.
John

[Sandy4453]

Hi John. What you suggested, sounds great and I've thought of that. My big concern is there are smokers in the house....

and they're smokin'

But yes, I'd be very interested in your suggestions. It's primarily the Catts. I'm worried about and I've got quite a few that will never bud if I keep them where they are now.

Thanks so much for the offer. You're a doll John. I'm standing by!

Oh, I forgot to mention, I also put together all 11 shelving units on the patio!!!

[Ross]

Sandy, while I don't condone smoking, I've not heard of that actually bothering the orchids all that much. Yes (without getting into a debate) smoking can't be good, but I would still take John's advice and look at stands.

[John]

Hey Sandy! Good news. In just four days it will be after the winter solstice and your plants will start getting more light! And I hope you know that you have forced me to take pictures of my mess for the world to see. For the shelves, I had a friend get them for me at Sam's Club and they were around $100. I looked at Sam's web site and couldn't find them but at Lowes.com there is a unit made by Shelving by Design item #71034 that looks just like what I have and they are $75. What I like about them is that the shelves are fully adjustable and very easy to put together. You would want to measure your tallest Catts and add at least six inches plus whatever the trays take. I started out using plant trays that you can buy at a nursery or Lowes or Depot for under $2(These are the ones without slots for drainage). Four of them fit nicely on a shelf. Over the trays I used a piece of plastic egg crate ceiling light panel. The light panels are 2' x 4' but you can cut them with a hacksaw blade or even wire cutters. The lights I used hold four 48" T8 flourescent tubes. There has been a lot of discussion on the Board about lights so maybe Ross or someone else could jump in with more opinions. I have purchased T5 lights from Sunlight Supply and they came with the cord attached so you could just hang them up and plug them in. If you use T8 I would suggest four tube fixtures and with the T5's either two or three. The drawback with the plant trays is that at sometime they will need to be emptied and cleaned. I would think that you could do this in the spring when the plants go back outside. In between times a turkey baster can be used to lower the water level. I have attached a few pictures of the stands, the plant trays and my messy basement. Please let me know if this helps or if you need more info. Maybe others will post pictures of their stands. John

[Ross]

I really like that idea for Sandy (hear that Sandy? ) as the plastic helps hold in humidity, but for Sandy's application, would keep out water during rains.

As for lights, I also recommend the Sunlight Supply lights. That's what I use as well. I just replaced all 4 tubes this afternoon and measured 1380 FC at 12" below tubes. That's pretty decent for t5. On the old (11 month old) tubes I had measured about 800 FCs at same location so they do lose quite a bit over time.

[Sandy4453]

John, I'll give you my credit card and just charge me what what you think appropriate for this tuitorial you put together for me. Just sensational, I love this!

YES! I keep thinking about the 21st of December being the longest day and then the sun begins shifting in our favor. I think I have room on one side of my patio where the rain won't hit and can move my Catts. there, I'll have to measure but regardless, I need these lights, inside or outside.

OK, my shelving units I get are very similar to yours. I've been getting mine at Target. No problems in finding the lights. I have one more question (so far): How do you attach the lights?

P.S. I'm just toooooo excited here John. I'm going shopping today for lights!!!!!

[John]

Hi Sandy...I would love to spend your money!! If you get lights from Sun Light Supply, they will already have a loop on them for hanging. If not then you can use an eye bolt attached to the light fixture, a small chain and a "S" hook to attach to the shelf (if you are using the wire shelving). I can post a picture of this tonight if you want. The chain allows you to adjust the light up and down if needed.

John