Orchid Light suggestion, not tube lighting

[nicki]

I really think I need to have additional light right now. I've read through different threads and I know the long tube lighting seems to be the most popular. But I don't want to go that route. A bulb that can fit into a regular desk top lamp or stand would work better for me.
I have a handful of mixed orchids. Phal, Mini vanda, Epicatt, Brsdm, Bc, Ency., and others (sorry if the abbreviations aren't correct)
I've seen a 65 watt Grow Reflector Bulb at the local box store and wonder if 1 of these would be good.

[Kmac]

Hi Nikki--

I have not used a 65 watt grow bulb like you describe, but I am guessing that it might be OK for low light orchids (like your phal), but not medium-high ones like the catt family (epicatt, Bc and encyclia). And vandas are pretty high-light orchids. Here's a commonly used test:

Put your hand six inches above the leaves of your orchid plant in the light. If you see a sharp shadow casting on the plant, then its failrly strong light. A shadow with softer edges means there is medium light and a very diffuse shadow means low light.

I hope this is helpful!

[629miller]

Nikki- I used to use those light to supplement the amount of sun my orchids were getting. They would get the morning light and then I had the gro lites on a timer for the rest of the day. Three things: 1) They get hotso they can't be too close. 2) They are more expensive to run. And 3) My orchids are growing and blooming much better under tubes. Hope this helps. Janet

[the dragonn]

Full spectrum light bulbs, designed for reptile keeping, are similar to a tube but twisted around. These are cheaper to run, have a longer life and don't get as hot as traditional bulbs. They are usually very bright, but the UV content does vary. Some reptiles have higher UV requirements than others.

[nicki]

Thanks for the tip Kathi. All suggestions were helpful. I'll look into the reptile lights and see what I can find. Otherwise I will figure how to work something out with tubes.

[AtantaR]

Any fluorescent light will do..either tube or screw on ..it will give you more of a full spectrum ......But the normal bulbs ( incandescent lights) will not do.....some grow lights, at the box store, are labeled "grow lights" but are not. Just incandescent bulbs with a film

[nicki]

Thanks Andrew.

[BrianC]

All cold color ones (6500k, 6700k) should work.