supplemental lighting

[Vanessa]

I know zilch about supplemental lighting for orchids. Are 3, 20-watt MR16 halogen low-voltage bulbs (Valo Lights) strong enough to grow orchids under?

[Vanessa]

I found my answer from the manaufacturer. They are not in the grow spectrum for orchids.....darn!

[Team Ferret]

Just curious, what is the grow spectrum for orchids and does that differ from plants in general? I am reading a book at the moment that stated that plants need red, orange and yellow light (I might have one of those colors wrong) but green is not needed at all.

Also, what was the light spectrum for those lights?

Seems that they would be good for supplemental lighting if you already have sunlight entering the room.

If those lights wont work, what are you going to use instead. Sorry, Im nosey.

Dave

[Vanessa]

Dave, they did not give me much info. Sorry. I'm still in the market for supplemental so would appreciate any ideas. If you read up on anything please let me know.

[dave b]

Originally Posted by Team Ferret

Just curious, what is the grow spectrum for orchids and does that differ from plants in general? I am reading a book at the moment that stated that plants need red, orange and yellow light (I might have one of those colors wrong) but green is not needed at all.

Also, what was the light spectrum for those lights?

Seems that they would be good for supplemental lighting if you already have sunlight entering the room.

If those lights wont work, what are you going to use instead. Sorry, Im nosey.

Dave

Typically, the needed light is split into the red and blue wavelengths for simplicity. If using standard fluorescents for example, a cool white produces more blue wavelength (looks whiter) and a warm bulb produces more red spectrum. Blue is used for more leaf growth, and red for blooming. Instead of spending more on 'full spectrum' bulbs, a warm and cool bulb can be paired in a 2 bulb strip.

Green is not absorbed into the plant, its reflected. Thats why we see green.

[Team Ferret]

Thanks Dave, nice name by the way. Yes, I agree. I have heard some folks simply turn on a few white bulbs to supplement their light. Although I do think one would get better coverage with the forescent bulbs. I assume that is what you meant by a two bulb strip.

If the plants are inside, you could go with a pair of T8 fluorescents in a nice light fixture. The high output blue or red T8 bulbs can generally be found at hydroponic supply shops. Fixtures can be found at Home Depot or similar store. In the mean time you can turn on a few incandescent bulbs to help the situation.

Another option is the compact energy saver bulbs, which look like a spiraled florescent with a regular light bulb end that would screw into a socket. These too are available in a high output in red or blue from hydroponic shops.

Next up would be the T5 lights, but I haven’t found nice home style fixtures for them yet. These look like skinny florescent bulbs but are much brighter. Check the hydro store for these and what would be the next level up which are high intensity lighting. But I don’t think the HID are what you are looking for.

Dave

[Vanessa]

Thank you Dave and Dave. Orchids are a never ending learning experience.

[reinbo15]

Originally Posted by dave b

Blue is used for more leaf growth, and red for blooming. Instead of spending more on 'full spectrum' bulbs, a warm and cool bulb can be paired in a 2 bulb strip.

I have heard this before...It makes sense, and sounds a lot more economical. I will have to try this when winter sets in.