An Orchid Newbie requires help within ... ( fluorescent question )
 

First off, let me thank everyone in advance for the help. There is so much to read on orchids that I could live to 150 and still be reading...so again, thank you :)

I will be as detailed as I can to help paint the picture for everyone as to get good answers :)

I am new to orchids, and loving every minute of it. I have always been good friends with the owner of the local florist here in my town, and today he out of the blue, gave me a 3 level plant stand with 3 fluorescent fixtures all for free. After thanking him up and down about a million times, I went to the local hydroponics store and told them what I had just received. The local hydroponics guy sold me 4 - 48" / 40 watt Agrosun Full Spectrum Grow Light tubes. I brought them home, set it all up and was off to the races......

Because I have about 25 orchids ( only 3 of which are in bloom ) I put them all on the bottom tray and took out the middle rack. I now have about 15 orchids sitting on the bottom rack exactly 29 inches away from the bulbs. The light ( again, to a complete rookie seems strong and is hitting all the plants ) but should I drop the shade even lower ??

At this point, if you are dying of laughter because it is so far away from where it should be it's a crime, I would like to point out I was dropped on my head as a child and all of this is my mother's fault.

Moving on ... :)

The package says the Agrosun bulbs give off 2450 Lumens - Color rendering Index 93 (Sun: 100) - Color Temp : 5850 Kelvin.

I keep the room regulated with heat by a Noma oil heater that is on a timer, and drops in temperature at night.

Are Agrosun bulbs even good ? Please tell me yes....I spent $120.00 on these bulbs ...


Anyhoo, thanks once again for all of your help and I am glad I found this site. I plan on being as active a member as a newbie can be :)

- KRiM' :)

I managed to put some batteries in my wife's camera and took these 2 pictures. I forgot to mention that along with the 2 Agrosun bulbs, I also have 2 Ott-Lite "Grow Better" lights as well ... thinking it would give it more "umpfh" .. again if your laughing, it's my mother fault ;)

- KRiM

Your set up is fancier than mine! ;) I currently just have a hodge podge of fixtures with t-12 and some t-8 bulbs. The orchids are happy at varrying distances from the light depending upon their needs. I see you have some phals, and a paph, which require less light. They should be happy under those lights. :) If the foliage begins to turn reddish, you know they've reached their threshold, as this is what they do to defend themselves against sun burn. If you get white spots, or start seeing a clear burn, you know they're getting too much light.

Good luck with your new setup! Way to go for all the freebies! :biggrin: That's awesome. And also welcome to orchid board!

Hi;
Agrosun are great,but not essential to growing orchids under lights.If you want to save some money next time on bulbs,you can mix one plant light(in this case agrosun)and one or more cool white bulbs.I've gotten consistently great results from this setup.
Also the lights seem to be too far from the plants,but let the plants tell you if they are getting too much light.
While light is very important,dont forget humidity,air movement (very slight is fine),and temperature requirements.
If you even pay a little attention to these factors,your orchids will thrive.
They are for the most part,very adaptable plants.
take care
Spiro