Vanda under CFL lights
 

I would appreciate some advice on growing Vandas under CFL lights.
I am planing to convert my utility room (about 3mx1.5m) to a orchid room this fall. My plan is to hang the plants from the ceiling under lights

Is this practical with CFLs (dont fancy the heavy T5 set ups and the sodium lights/HIDs would just be too hot in a small room)

What wattage/ number of bulbs would I need

Any perticular brand/make

Do I need both "blue" & "red" bulbs

What Reflectors

Any other accessories??? I am thinking of a humidifier as well. Does the ultrasonic ones leave a lot of dust about (my washer and dryer will be in the same room)

If somebody has a similar set up I would love to see a photo to get an idea. Please pm me a photo if you dont want it on the thread.

Many thanks in advance

I hate to say, but the light intensity may not be strong enough if you want to grow those big Vandas. If you choose some compact Vandaceous hybrids, it might be sufficient

I grow my vandas under 400w HID with a distance of 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Some of them still have to be moved rigth under the light to get the spike initiated.

Thank you Naoki
Two questions though
1. What is the difference in intensity if I use a 400w CFL instead of HID. In fact the CFL apparently could be much closer to the plant

2. What is your view on the PAR rating. Again the web is full of stuff with CFL being PAR 100% and HID being 15% therefore the CFL camps argument that you need less light with CFL anyway??

Think lumens, not watts.

A CFL typically puts out 70 lumens per watt, so your 400 W bulb has an initial output of 28000 lumens. The intensity the plants see will be determined by the reflector and the distance to the bulb, but I suspect vandas will do fine under that once you determine the right setup.

Do not bother to mix "warm" and "cool" phosphors. Find bulbs that offer a color temperature close to 6400°K, and the plants will receive the spectrum close to that of sunlight plus backscatter from a clear blue sky.

Humidity is important, but unless your basement is unusually dry, maintaining at least 50% RH shouldn't be a problem.

You will want gently, tumbling air movement 24/7, so include fans in your thinking.

Hi Ray
Many thanks for your advice. I went through your articles on your website and they were very useful.
Thank you