New Indoor Set Up Under Lights

[rich63]

I did include in the last photo a shot of the old set up. If you notice the wall covering. In the old set up I had a product call Permaflect. Some people thought it looked like a aluminum foil. The new set up has 12" wide x 4 foot long shelf at the top and bottom. I added a 10" wide x 3 foot long extension to make the bottom shelf wider. The lights at the top two 48" T5 HO fluorescent lights with reflector ,one white grow bulb and one red bloom bulb. I also place the two 24" T5's end to end in the back, both have grow bulbs. The bottom lights are three T5's with two grow bulbs and one blooming bulb. Now the biggest thing is the new wall covering. I placed a new reflective material called Orca Grow Film. It has better reflective properties than mylar. It's washable and non-yellowing. I also placed this material on the bottom of each shelf. Now I just need to find some nice compact catts. to fill up the extra space. Have Fun, Rich

[rich63]

Last two photos. Take Care,Rich

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Looking great, Rich! Your plants are so healthy and well cared for too! Not a yellow or spotted leaf in sight. Good growing, Sir!! I am sending you a PMl about the cattleyas to fill your remaining space.

Cheers,
BD

[orchidsal]

Sounds like this was a well thought out project Rich. In terms of getting more Cattleya's just keep in mind, "If you build it, they will come". Have fun !! AL

[PBaez]

Great setup. Is that you Paph. Hsinying Zebra x Paph. Hsinying Velvet on the left?

[rich63]

Paula that one is to the right, Paph.Hsinying Sceptre x Paph. Ruby Leopard is to the left. I didn't post this one. I tried to take some photos of that bloom. The bloom is so dark, I wasn't happy with the quality of the pictures. I didn't need to hear any negative comments by the quality police !! I do have a few shot that I downloaded if you would want a closer look ? Thanks, Rich

[PBaez]

Rich, I saw your posting of Paph.Hsinying Sceptre x Paph Ruby Leopard today. It really is lovely. I like the deep, rich color but I imagine it was difficult to get the shots.

[rich63]

Well today the project is complete, for now! I did add three fans to the grow area. The fans are not oscillating. The fans are really desk fans, I just drilled through the base with two screws, dry wall anchors & washers against the plastic base so not to break the base. Thanks Bruce for the information! I'm very limited as far as placement. The folding doors to the left is where my washer & dryer are. So placing anything of size, restricts access into my dryer. They are all on the same timer as the lights. Have Fun,Rich

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Nice going Rich! Do the fans turn off with the lights? Might want to leave them on 24/7 if you have issues with plants staying wet too long.

Cheers,
BD

[rich63]

Bruce, I'm not having any issue with the medium staying to wet. I have a learning curve with the fans and new wall covering, this causing most of the plants to dry out much quicker than before. I have had to increase the amount and frequency of my watering. I have noticed that a few of my plants were screaming they were thirsty. No real damage done. Rich