New extra indoor space for tall Orchids

[paulemar]

My winter indoor space for my orchids is presently a 5 X 3 area lighted with two 400 watt HID's, (one MH & one HPS). I can lower them (lights), but can't raise them anymore. When I bring my orchids in from their summer outdoors, I have some that are taller than I can fit under the lights safely. I used these plastic "terra Latch" pot clips to mount my taller pots on the outside edge of my indoor table. That gives me a bit more height between the top of the plant and the lights. The pictures will give you a better idea of how this works. The one illustrated is the first one I did on this table. I am making a larger table and will use this method on it as well. You can also mount supports hortizontally between the table legs at any height you wish. These will give me more space for more orchids too! I'm hoping these pictures work OK.

[Sandy4453]

This is a great example of putting every square inch to great use. I like what you've done here, paulemar. Well done!

Happy growing to you!

[Ranchnanny]

I like the idea of the pot holders on the edge of the table. Great use of space.

Sheridan

[Chubidubi]

That's such a clever idea. Thanks for sharing.

[cb977]

Great idea!

I love all the wonderful ways OB folks come up with to get more orchids in their space

[Ross]

Great idea. How come you can't raise the lights? Ceiling too low? Just wonderin'.

[paulemar]

Originally Posted by Ross

Great idea. How come you can't raise the lights? Ceiling too low? Just wonderin'.

This growing space is in my basement and there are wires, furnace ductwork, pipes, tv cables, & phone lines in this area. (108 year old house) It's a seven ft. ceiling but the lights are only a bit over 3 ft above the table but at least a foot below the joists. A 30 inch cym. would be toast, even if it was at the edge on the table. I'm starting to build a new 4 X 8 table in a better area where I can mount the light hangers between the joists and there are no obstructions. I'm thinking I'll be able to take advantage of the full area that the lights can cover, have more space between the plants, and still be able to utilize the Terra Latch's for my taller Epi's and Cym's and not worry about them getting burned. Hey, I just realized that I can keep the old table where it is for more orchids. All I need is another light and permission from my lovely wife.

Paul

[Ross]

I was just curious. I understand I decided on t5's for a similar reason. My new grow area is in a low ceiling basement as well (a similar aged house) and I can do an 8 tube t5 flourescent easily in the height I have.