t5 lighting for cattleyas - Orchid Board

weederwoman · #1 10-18-2011, 12:02 PM

Does anyone use 4 foot t5 high output fluorescents for their cattleyas? I would like input on how well they work.
Thank you

silken · #2 10-18-2011, 12:26 PM

They work great! I use them and many members in our society do. It's likely the most common light used by our members and bought in great quantities. I'm in charge of getting supplies for our group so I see how many pass thru our hands!

I've been told that they put out about double what a regular T12 bulb does, but am no expert on it.

weederwoman · #3 10-18-2011, 12:51 PM

silken
Do you or others you know of put their catts under two light or four light systems, and how close to the bulbs do you put them.
Thanks so much
Laurel

silken · #4 10-18-2011, 01:04 PM

I don't know what others do, but I have a number of orchids including catts under a 2 bulb system which is about 8 to 12 inches above. It varies because of some taller plants that force me to raise one end. It's likely 6" over them but makes it a little greater distance over others nearby. They are mounted on a white reflector so that is distributing the light too.

I also have an old T12 metal canopy that I use 2 T12's in still (it is made for 4) but then I have fastened 2 T5's into the canopy as well on either end so it is 2- 4 foot T5's and 2-4 foot T12's in one canopy over a table of plants. It is about 8 to 12 inches above, again depending on the plant.

Ray might have some input on distance and how many as I am no expert. I do get blooms but of course would always like more. Some of my plants are young or divisions too so am not expecting blooms but the mature catts do bloom as expected as well as many other types.

Libo · #5 10-18-2011, 01:38 PM

Some of my minis are under T-5 about 4 inch from the light to the leaf tip. I grow in S/H though. The result is, some are starting blooming now! So I guess the light should be enough at least for minis.

weederwoman · #6 10-18-2011, 01:46 PM

Thank you so much. I have a two bulb system also, and your input is reassuring that I am not doing anything too wrong. As I interpret Ray's answer to an earlier post, however, I don't think he feels two bulbs would guarantee enough light for good flowering. Most of your plants are young, you say. But you do get some flowering on your older plants, right?

silken · #7 10-18-2011, 02:13 PM

I have a standard size (large) cattleya in sheath at the moment and it has bloomed reliably 2 years in a row plus this sheath. I have a biggibum den. in spike (1st time on the 1 new bulb since I got it 6 months ago), I have a Lc Canhamiana 'Azure Skies' that bloomed this spring, and another cattleya with several sheaths. So yes, I would say those that I expect to bloom are doing that. You could get a light meter. I did check mine this spring and I can't remember for sure but most of the area was in the 2500 to 3500 fc which is fairly standard for most catts. Some need more, but I put them closer and do get some sunlight in places too.

Best you can do is try it and see. You could likely hang it on chains and adjust height based on how plants are responding which is what I do.

weederwoman · #8 10-18-2011, 08:49 PM

Silken

I have a $30 light meter but it only goes up to 1000 candle feet on the fluorescent setting, so I don't know how to use
to measure t5 bulbs. That is what is causing my problem.
I hope to contact the company's owner next week when he is back from somewhere to see if and how the meter can be used for t5. Old technology that needs to be adapted. I think other people's experiences are a great resource. Thank you for yours.

stefpix · #9 10-19-2011, 10:27 AM

Libo, how many watts and what size are your T5 bulbs?

could someone with a meter measure the fc of 2 or 4 T12 vs 2 or 4 T5s?

anyhow I was thinking of getting this at adorama , also sold via Amazon. could be good for photos and as grow light. 2 birds with one stone.
http://www.amazon.com/Flashpoint-Lig.../dp/B003B0UQ32

Merlyn · #10 10-19-2011, 11:51 AM

I used a digital light meter and measured right on the bulbs in the middle. My new T8's (6500k, 2750lumens) = 4400fc and my new T5's (6500k, HO) = 6600fc. I grow my Ctsms under the T5 6 bulb fixture and keep them as close to the light as possible, even burning some tips because I mounted the T5 as close to the ceiling as I could. I raise all the shorties with anything and everything you can imagine to get them up close also.
.