Can a Vanda in a vase survive under gro-lights ?

[BayouBaby]

Hi, I'm a brand new member with experience growing Phals & Oncidiums under flo grow bulbs only. A local grocery store had a vanda orchid in vase marked down because of a spent flower spike. I impulsively purchased it knowing nothing about it's growing requirements. (with the exception of the attached instructions). Has anyone tried to grow vanda's under lights ? Thanks, Jane

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Yes, they can be grown under lights. They need much higher light intensity than most other orchids to bloom successfully. The leaves are supposed to be slightly lighter green than a Granny Smith apple. Without sufficient light, they become darker green.

Depending on how humid it is in your growing area, you might need to water more frequently, or soak for longer than 30 minutes. If you see the leaves getting very fine linear wrinkles, the plant needs more water. It is generally OK to leave them soaking in water for at least 12 hours. In my low-humidity house I soak them for up to 24 hours at a time.

[BayouBaby]

Thank You so much for your response. I will do some research on high light intensity bulbs and try adding a clip on light fixture over the orchid. Thanks, Jane

[Ray]

There are several ways to achieve higher light, and I frankly doubt that a "clip on" lamp will suffice.

Adding more true watts (not "equivalent") is a sure way, if there are enough watts. Another is to simply place the plant a lot closer to the lamp. A combination of more watts and manipulation of the distances, depending upon the plant, actually gives you a lot more flexibility (and room for more plants!).

[BayouBaby]

Ray,

I have lowered my fixture over the Vanda, great idea, thanks. I'm using 4 foot T12 fixtures with two Philips 40 watt 1600 lumens grow bulbs in each.

[Ray]

That really isn't much light output... For a vanda, those would have to be a matter of a few inches from the plant.

Even swapping out those bulbs for 32 watt T8 bulbs will increase to light output to something on the order of 2900-3000 lumens per bulb.

[BayouBaby]

Ray,
The fixtures are the cheap shop light variety. The ballasts will only work on T-12's. I tried T-8's and the bulbs burnt out within a month. Will have to weigh my options. Thank you for your response. Appreciate it !

[estación seca]

High-wattage CFLs are bright enough to grow and bloom Vandas. So are some LEDs.

Companies make 200 Watt equivalent spiral CFL bulbs that fit into a clip-on aluminum shop reflector. They are longer than other CFL spiral bulbs. With spiral CFLs the greatest light flux is along the axis of the spiral, so don't mount them sideways, thinking your will get better coverage.

You can mount linear light fixtures so they point horizontally as well as down, illuminating the plants from the top and the sides.

CFLs will be a smaller initial expense, but long-term the LEDs should cost quite a bit less considering the longer lamp life and reduced electricity consumption.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I agree with Ray. Your T12's are not enough lighting.

You gotta go stronger. I find using LED's are the easiest way to go. They aren't the cheapest by any means, but they are worth every penny.

If you get a LED, get the bulbs you can screw into a socket (E26).

Kelvin temperature: 5,000 K - 6,500 K

lumens: around 3,600 lumens

True Wattage: 40 W

It's gotta be powerful otherwise the Vandas will not do well over time and eventually die from starvation.

I've got a Vanda under a LED light rated at 40 W, 6,500 K, and 3,600 lumens, and it seems to be doing ok for now.

[BayouBaby]

Philip,

So you are using just one 40w 6,500 K, and 3,600 lumens LED bulb on your Vanda ? Is this a special grow bulb ? Can you please tell me who makes the bulb and where I can purchase it. Thanks, Jane