Supplemental Grow Light Needed

[modifiedskittle]

I have very few windows in my house that get enough natural sunlight required to grow orchids. I'm shaded on both sides by larger houses. There is only one window that gets enough light and it isn't large enough for all of my orchids. I'd like to add a supplemental artificial light to another window, but am unsure what to get. There are so many options and opinions. Preferably I'd like to get a regular based light bulb that can be used in a regular floor lamp off to the side of the table. I've attached a picture of the set up I have. Any advice on which type of bulb I should go with? Any specific recommendations?

[fooferdoggie]

Originally Posted by modifiedskittle

I have very few windows in my house that get enough natural sunlight required to grow orchids. I'm shaded on both sides by larger houses. There is only one window that gets enough light and it isn't large enough for all of my orchids. I'd like to add a supplemental artificial light to another window, but am unsure what to get. There are so many options and opinions. Preferably I'd like to get a regular based light bulb that can be used in a regular floor lamp off to the side of the table. I've attached a picture of the set up I have. Any advice on which type of bulb I should go with? Any specific recommendations?

this bulb works well and you can get it anywhere I think itss about 20.00

[Dollythehun]

IKEA has a good one and Ray has suggestions for one from.Home Depot. Perhaps he'll chime in.

[estación seca]

There is a whole forum here for Growing under lights. People discuss specific lights they use. From the left yellow menu click on Forums then scroll down.

[Leafmite]

I do not think you want me recommending lights.
I went all out with lights and bought a four-foot shelving unit, three sets of four-foot, four-bulb fluorescent ballasts and a timer and then added plenty of other types of plants since I had the light. I have even grown strawberries and tomatoes under my lights. Later, I added a pair of two-foot lights and another shelving unit (and more plants).

There are grow bulbs that do fit in the lamp sockets. Just make certain that they are full-spectrum grow lights for plants and that they are strong enough to actually help your plants. This one looks interesting:

Amazon.com: Hydroponic Full Spectrum CFL Grow Light Bulb 60 Watt Bulb 5500K H60: Home Improvement

And LED:

Amazon.com : Morsen LED Grow Light Bulb 80W, Full Spectrum 120 Super Bright LEDs Grow Lamp for Indoor Plants, Garden Greenhouse and Hydroponic : Garden & Outdoor

You can find more by browsing.

[modifiedskittle]

Originally Posted by estación seca

There is a whole forum here for Growing under lights. People discuss specific lights they use. From the left yellow menu click on Forums then scroll down.

Yes, I know. I have searched and browsed that forum as well, but most posts are about dedicated growers under lights, which I'm not.

Thank you for the rest of the suggestions! I ended up just getting a daylight LED bulb at the store, 100W, 5000K, 1500 Lumens. Only problem I face now is my husband... I set it up and apparently the light is too bright and is annoying soooo I might have to take it down. Or maybe getting rid of the husband is an option? He is of the opinion that if they can't survive on their own then they shouldn't survive at all. Oh and maybe I shouldn't have so many if I don't have room for all of them in one window...

[Leafmite]

I was the one that was unhappy with how bright my lights were at first. I am now accustomed to the brightness and actually enjoy the 'extra daylight'. It took a little time, though.

I am not sure how you have it set up but using a reflective shade helps to direct the light toward the plants. Also, it is best to have the timer set so that the lights go on after everyone has their coffee.

Good luck!

[Dollythehun]

If your plants are in your living space, look at Garders Supply. They have some interesting lighted end tables.

[dansyr]

Originally Posted by modifiedskittle

apparently the light is too bright and is annoying soooo I might have to take it down. Or maybe getting rid of the husband is an option? He is of the opinion that if they can't survive on their own then they shouldn't survive at all. Oh and maybe I shouldn't have so many if I don't have room for all of them in one window...

If you have a light strip and not a bulb, beside a reflector like Leafmite suggested, slightly angling it away from you might be an option. This is what I do - LED strips mounted to underside of shelves, with the strips' room-facing screws about 1/8 or 1/16th longer than on the window-facing sides. Only a little angle, but it helps to not be seeing such intensity of light at the strips, just bright happy foliage