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Old 09-18-2012, 08:21 PM
ocean217 ocean217 is offline
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 22
Default Articial lighting novice

Hello orchid friends!
I was hoping you could give me some advice/suggestions.
I have a fluorescent shop light with 2 40 watt T12 bulbs, both full spectrums. I have recently added a HPS 150 watt hydrofarm fixture which is about 3 feet away from the orchids, and I've only had it on for 2 hrs./day. The T12 fixure is on for 15 hrs./day and about 6 inches from the phalaenopsis and cattleyas.
Today, I received a T5 HO fluorescent, 4 bulbs, 48" EnviroGro Hydrofarm fixture. All the bulbs are "grow spectrum", 5000K. I don't know how far to place them above, or, should I place the fixture on the sides of the orchids? Should I replace 2 of the bulbs with 3000K to enhance flowering?
I live in central North Carolina where it is quite humid. All the orchids I purchased this summer are now coming in to "live" under the lights until spring. Would you believe I purchased over 25-30 orchids within the past 3 months Fun!
The orchids are mainly phal's, cat's, oncidiums, one miltonia, vanda and brassola nodosa.
The artificial lights will all be in one spare bedroom, the lowest level of a split level home. The window has poor light, faces north and in a shaded area.
I'll try and keep the heat vent off in this bedroom this winter. I have a oscillating fan that is on 24/7.
How many hours a day should I keep the T5 bulbs on and how many hours for the HPS? Should I replace the shop light with the new 4 bulb fixture?
As you can see, I've been bitten by the orchid bug. Any suggestions would be much appreciated by me and my orchid babies. Thanks so much.
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