Winter Window Woes

[meliana]

I moved to a new apartment a month ago... with pretty much zero natural light from any of the windows the orchids have been declining pretty quickly.

I'm considering artificial lighting but have had quite the opposite problem with my previous windowsills, so I have no idea what would work. Budget would be my main limitation, and also general appearance, since it's my living room. I was thinking of adding two clip-on style lamps on either side, one on the lamp post and the other on the folding screen, with a full spectrum CFL. Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm evenly split between oncidiums and phals.

[billc]

I would think with the clip on CFL setup you would have to get the lights closer to the plants than the hanging them off the screen and the lamp. From that distance the plants would not get any useable light. If you're handy and can fabricate some sort of bracket and socket you may want to consider one of First Ray's LED lights.
LED Vivarium/Grow Lamp $24.00 Lighting First Rays LLC
I also think you are going to have a tough time getting enough light for the oncidiums with your limitations. Getting enough light for the plants that is aesthetically pleasing in a dark living room is going to be tough.

Bill

[meliana]

Thanks Bill! I will look into the LED. Oddly enough, it's the oncidiums that seem to be making the best out of the situation... go figure... maybe there's something else bothering the phals that I should explore.

[Leafmite]

I am trying 'lights' for the first time with a clip on lamp. I ran out of window space.
Good Luck!

[meliana]

Oooh good luck! What type of lighting are you using?

[Leafmite]

I bought the EnviroGro 150W/Agrosun Dayspot Grow Light Kit. I bought the kit (Agrosun dayspot grow light kit) with the 60W bulb but bought and use the flourescent. I use it for my saffron, a cattleya, and a phal. My saffron is happier than the ones in the window.

[RandomGemini]

I went really cheap. I'm using a plain old CFL bulb from the hardware store in a floor lamp that has a flexible spotlight on it. I did make sure that I looked for a CFL bulb that had around a 6500k color temperature. I did plan to line the inside of that spotlight with mylar or something, but honestly, I haven't really needed it. My phals that are sitting below the window sill are doing just fine with things as they are.

I have my phals that want more light, closer to the lamp and my things that like dimmer light further away. I probably need a better setup, but so far, the plants are doing great, everybody seems happy and it was only intended to be a quick fix for my first winter with my orchids.

[Leafmite]

I have always grown with natural lighting so I have never had to actully calculate the brightness/spectrums. The research said this kit could grow herbs and bonsai...the type of measurement I easily understand.

[meliana]

Same reasoning here, RandomGemini-- come summer things may be fine, but I don't know with this apartment yet and I'd like to tide things over until then without breaking the bank. Glad to hear it's working for you!

[stylingpat]

You will be fine grabbing some 23w Daylight CFLs from Home Depot or Lowes. I've been using these CFL's for a few years now and really like them. Throw them in a clamp lamp with a timer and call it a day untill you figure out a more-permament situation.

Even tho I've had no problems with my 23w Daylight CFLs I get a 4pack for $10 at Big Lots. I would like a more cleaner professional looking set-up. But since I'm in my spare bed room, its fine! Here's some photo's

Also, dont like these CFLs fool you. They are alot brighter then you think. My brightest plants now, a zygo, and BLC are about 8 inches away from the bulb. My phals are about a foot. I've never light-metered these CFLs but I'm going to soon to dial everything in more. I've just let the plants tell me whats too bright and move accordingly.

I had oncidiums sending up new bulbs and spikes under my 23's.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ne-winter.html