Lighting
 

As a newbie I have been enjoying learning how to take care of the orchids that I inherited. Thanks to the advice from this group all seem to be doing well (5 Phals and 1? Cattleya).Until now I have only been focusing on the right way/time to water.

Now that my addiction is blooming :) time for my next project- understanding lighting.

The orchids that I inherited came with a grow light called Purple Reign (pic attached). The bulbs need to be replaced.

There are two fluorescent bulbs, each 21.5 inches in length. There are no indications of wattage, etc.

1. If I were to replace the bulbs what would you recommend?

2. If I were to remove the bulbs and housing, could I use the stand to mount something better? An LED array? Specifics are greatly appreciated.



Separate question:

I used a photo light meter app- the two windows where I could place plants are one facing east and one facing north. Neither gets direct sun and I am in New England if that helps. There is a terrible cold draft in each location making me think that the grow lights might be better for winter.

The measurements I get are

140-170 lux

2.2 PPFD

0.15 DCI

Those numbers mean nothing to me!

Thank you in advance!

If it helps, I think this is your fixture:

Apollo Horticulture Purple Reign 2' Foot 2 Bulb 24W 6400K T5 Grow Light System for Plant Growing - Walmart.com

Looks like a pretty standard T5HO fixture, so should accept any 24w T5HO lamp. I use a similar fixture and recently relamped with these, which are fine:

Just a moment...

The most important thing in your message is the cold draft. Keep your orchids away from that!

There is an entire forum here devoted to growing under lights. From the left yellow menu choose Forums. You will see it. There are lots of excellent discussions. You will probably do best with LED lights made for plant growing, plus a timer. Depending on your home temperatures, a heat mat under your plants might be a good idea.

Many phone light meter apps don't work well. The app needs to be written for the specific light sensor in the specific phone. That said, the results you posted are very dim light. Phalaenopsis prefer about 10,000 lux.

If neither of your windows ever get direct sun in the winter, your orchids will be better off under lights in a warm part of the house. I’ve found that my phals do very well under lights when my analog meter reads 500-700 foot candles for 12 hours a day. Add a heat mat if you don’t keep a toasty warm house all winter.