Office 'Chids

[Phyrex]

I'd like to grow an orchid on my desk at work but I currently don't have an office with windows and the lights pretty much go off at 6m. There is AC so the air movement would be ok. I'm sure the heat and the humidity must be good too. What plants work best in an office setting described above???

[Kerry]

I'm personally not sure, but what I tend to do is take one or two of my flowering phals into work, enjoy them whilst they are in bloom, and then take them home again to swap a couple of months later.

I don't know enough to recommend any particular plants that would thrive in very low light levels, although you could possibly invest in a small plant light that would, if placed properly, give the plant the necessary levels of light needed to thrive. That might work - sort of a compromise along the lines of growing platns under lights at home but on a much smaller scale.

[PAL]

I'm with Kerry, take one or two Phals in and enjoy them while in bloom.
Or, find a plant light designed for this purpose. Do a web search for indoor plant lights or lamps something should turn up.
Phals. do thrive in low light levels so these would probrobaly be the best bet, at least for a trial.
Oh, be careful that the A/C isn't blowing directly on the plants. They enjoy air movement but not direct, continuous draft, especially cool/cold.

Hope this helps,
Al

[meviva]

I have a plant light that is for a single plant and I love it. The light comes on automatically every morning and turns off every night. So it will turn on even on the days you are not there. It can be set for the seasons so that the light is on longer in the summer and shorter in the winter. It has a prob that is inserted in the medium and lets you know when it needs water. It also has a tray with bumps that the pot sits on top of that you can put water in for increased humidity. I have a phal under mine and it's doing great. I wish I could get one for each of my orchids but that would get pretty pricy. But for one it's a great investment.

[Phyrex]

I would've guessed Phal too because of their resilience. Thanks.

I have a plant light that is for a single plant and I love it.

Any chance you can PM me a weblink to one of these wonderfull lights (water, humidity thingies)?

[clintdawley]

I grow all types in my East and South facing 6' tall windows. I have oncs, phals, my only paph and a couple of catts in those windows that grow and bloom just fine. You need windows or supplemental light close to the plants...not in the ceiling.

I'd like to grow an orchid on my desk at work but I currently don't have an office with windows and the lights pretty much go off at 6m. There is AC so the air movement would be ok. I'm sure the heat and the humidity must be good too. What plants work best in an office setting described above???

[meviva]

Any chance you can PM me a weblink to one of these wonderfull lights (water, humidity thingies)?

Richard,

I sent you a PM the other day with a link to the lamp. Did you get it?

[Phyrex]

Meviva, I did get it. It's awesome and not too expensive either. Thanks for the tip.