Growing Vanda under LED grow lights, Any successes with blooming?

[orchidsunlover]

Hello,

I'm a new orchid grower and even newer to the site.

I just bought a new strap-leaf vanda orchid (don't know exactly the name) and currently live in MI where we don't really get that much sun year round. I've done research and have found that Vandas usually require a good deal of sunlight. Humidity for me is not an issue.

My question is I have 2 9- watts LED Grow lights from Feit Electric (Equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent light, Kelvin's were not listed) that sit 6 inches from above my two vandas. I keep these lights on for about 16 hours a day every day but I'm worried that my vandas will not receive enough light to bloom? Has anyone here had good results from using LED to bloom your vanda? How many hours did you leave your lights on? Maybe even the distance between the vanda and the LED grow light?

I noticed little subtle results so far such as new roots emerging so I know something is going right at least. lol

I just want to see those awesome vanda flowers so please let me know about your experiences with grow lights and the results you got. Pictures are welcomed!

Thank you.

[Ray]

At that light level, you may get the plants to bloom, but it is likely that they will bloom infrequently and with few blossoms. They'd really prefer a lot more light.

[rastafouni]

I agree with Ray.You don't start orchids with the most easiest genus to grow with lttle light.. I think the best do to have accurate light is to try as much possible both LED and natural/direct sun on morning and evening it is possible.

[orchidsunlover]

Thanks for the reply.

Basically I've been growing the lights for a while because Michigan weather right now is not the best. It's been consistently raining days on end with no sun. If there is sun, the temperatures aren't the best condition for my vandas ( 50-60 degrees F).

I've been waiting for the good weather, and it seems we may have some hight temps but still rainy.

I definitely will incorporate some natural light in them for them when I get the chance.

[Ray]

Purchased last summer, just in time to move into a terrarium lit by one 13W LED spotlight of my own custom design, using cold white, warm white and red LEDs, from a height of 12" above the plants illuminating a 12" circle.

[orchidsunlover]

Hey Ray,

What do you mean by your own custom design? Did you make your own setup for grow lights?

BTW, your vanda looks amazing!

[Ray]

Originally Posted by orchidsunlover

Hey Ray,

What do you mean by your own custom design? Did you make your own setup for grow lights?

No. I used to have horizontal LED lamps made for me for resale using the same chips, and the manufacturer made the spot to my specs as a sample.