when blooming under lights...

[onlyartificiallight]

when blooming under lights does the proximity of the bloom to the light matter? the footcandles change so rapidly as you get closer to the light so im wondering if the intensity of the light will have a negative effect on the bloom.

for example i have a phal whose leaves are at 800 fc but the top of the spike is at 2300 and still going (hasnt bloomed yet).

thanks!

[Lindafvb]

Hi there,
Great question. I am new to this but I think it would depend on the type of orchid. My catts like to be inches from the light but I now watch carefully. Because one weekend the flower bud grew so much the buds got browned. I keep my phal. buds 1000-1500FC. If they grow to close, I move them back. I also remove them from the lights once they bloom and put them out for display. Curious to read what more experienced orchid light growers write.

[Lagoon]

I don't tend to stake any of the spikes because of this reason. I allow a natural arch/curve to form, then its easy to move off to the side while the leafs are still maintaining good light.

[Ross]

Actually this has been discussed before. Check out this post Relying solely on lights - advice for my next setup? for a lengthy discussion on growing exclusively under lights. The only thing I would add, is that you can bend the flower spike slowly (over time) to get it out from under the lights in order to keep the plant at the same position. I know, I've done it.

[onlyartificiallight]

Originally Posted by Lagoon

I don't tend to stake any of the spikes because of this reason. I allow a natural arch/curve to form, then its easy to move off to the side while the leafs are still maintaining good light.

glad you mentioned this cause i was also curious if in not staking them, there is any danger of the spike breaking under the weight if there are many blooms. obviously they dont get staked in nature, but i figure these are different conditions/angles etc..

thanks.

ps - great forum, im thrilled to have found it!

[onlyartificiallight]

Originally Posted by Ross

Actually this has been discussed before. Check out this post Relying solely on lights - advice for my next setup? for a lengthy discussion on growing exclusively under lights. The only thing I would add, is that you can bend the flower spike slowly (over time) to get it out from under the lights in order to keep the plant at the same position. I know, I've done it.

Curious, what was your technique for bending the spikes?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by onlyartificiallight

Curious, what was your technique for bending the spikes?

Thin wire and clips (like butterflies or dragonflies you see on the store plants). Just insert the wire early in the spike growth and clip the soft end of the spike to the wire as it grows. Once the spike gets out there a few inches, it's to firm to bend without breaking. Move the spike around and you'll find out where you can bend and where you can't.

[CodiMN]

I've found that if I catch an itty bitty spike forming, I'll start "training" it with a little bit of cotton and place it under the spike until it's long enough to attach to a bamboo stake.
Curious--what else are you growing under that orchid shelf? Looks happy and green!

[onlyartificiallight]

Thanks for the advice guys. I just bought 12 ft of wire and a bunch of clips from a local orchid greenhouse. (Lucky me I have one nearby!)

Codi, under the orchid shelf is wheatgrass. Its a superfood that is actually juiced into liquid and served as a 1 or 2 oz shot. Im part owner of a juice bar and we serve it there. Might be one of the healthiest things you can put in your body and one of the easiest things to grow! It is an aquired taste however. Takes about 8 days from seed and its ready to juice!

[gmdiaz]

What does the wheatgrass taste like?