Will a Philips "Plant Light" work on a small Phalanopsis?

[betwixtimes]

So I work in a office with no windows---vaulted ceilings and a GIANT black door---and if that's not sad enough, there are only 2 people in this aux. office...myself included.

So I figured maybe to brighten up the place I would purchase a phalanopsis and a small grow light. I went to the hardware store bought a directional flood lamp and a philips plant light---50w.

My question is, will this be enough light for my new 'chid? For some reason I'm under the impression that they don't like direct light, and that the lower light conditions might make it "ok". I have the lamp shining on the wall and reflecting off as well as indirectly shining on the leaves of the phalanopsis itself.

If not I will have to bring home my "secret 'chid" as um---my Fiance doesn't know my obsession has expanded to the office.

[Ross]

I grow Phals and Paphs under pretty bright light - south window and dappled sun. I think yours will take a lot more light than you are giving it. Just my 2 cents.

[betwixtimes]

Oh NOES!
We'll see how it fairs...maybe I'll get another plant light?

[camille1585]

I'm like Ross, I grow them in very bright light, with some direct sun as well. They'll grow under lower light as well, but they do better in high light. I'm in the netherlands for a few years, and the days are VERY short here in wintertime, which was a bit problematic. Last winter I added supplemental lighting,(a 36W full spectrum cfl) which seemed fine for the phals, but not for anything else.

If you keep that light, maybe you should have it shine directly on the plant (I'm not familiar with this light, being in the EU. It's a 50W incadescent, right?)

[betwixtimes]

Hrm. Well it's an experiment, because honestly anything to make my office more---happy friendly is an improvement.

Should I worry if the leaves are warm to the touch from the lamp? I have the lamp positioned slightly elevated and pointed at the leaves, about 12 inches away from the pot.

[Ross]

That will happen with an incadescent lamp. Doubt it will hurt too much, though. Why not use the same fixture and get a t5 coily compact florescent like from here: 55 Watt Compact Fluorescents I think the base will fit your reflector. If you do get one, get the "full spectrum" version.