supplemental greenhouse lighting

[brit6v]

I apologize if my question has been asked in the past. If so, I couldn't find it.

My question: Would supplemental lighting in my greenhouse be beneficial to my orchids on overcast days? We have many of these in the fall and winter, but a few already.

I would appreciate your advice and/or any input you can contribute,
Vicki

[Halloamey]

Yes it surely would. There is a very nice article with actual scientific data published in one of the issues of AOS 'Orchids' released last year, can't exactly tell you which. But it has loads of info you need. If you can grab it surely worth a read.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Sure, I agree with Amey.

Cheers,
BD

[brit6v]

Hi Amey,
Thank you for your help. I considered the fact that orchids in their natural habitat face weather changes but I also wondered if many bleak days of little light would be bad for them, so you have helped me. I wish I knew how I could possibly locate the AOS article. I would really like to read it.
Thank you again,
Vicki

Yes it surely would. There is a very nice article with actual scientific data published in one of the issues of AOS 'Orchids' released last year, can't exactly tell you which. But it has loads of info you need. If you can grab it surely worth a read.

[brit6v]

Hi Bruce,
Thanks for your input! So, it's unanimous. Good. I guess my next move is to try to figure out exactly what kind of lights and how to hang them.
Vicki

Sure, I agree with Amey.

Cheers,
BD

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Maybe you should test the light levels and see how much supplemental light you will need. That might help you decide on what type of lighting to purchase. Good luck Vicki!

Cheers,
BD

[brit6v]

Good idea, Bruce. I might be able to check that soon because we (the part of Alabama I live in) are feeling some effects from the tropical storm down on the gulf...the days are mostly cloudy and dreary here (today is a good example). Sometimes dappled a bit. I guess this weather is part of the reason I've been thinking lately about my lighting situation. After I do the test you suggested, I'll be at a total loss of the type of supplemental lights I have the option to buy, so I may have to ask all of you for help. I hope you don't mind. Well, actually, I have had some experience with T5 lighting. They were my only source of light for my orchids in my orchid room before my gh. I'm sending a picture before I moved everything in a few weeks ago (I can't remember if I've already sent it ??...my "old person memory" is rearing it's ugly head again lol). Maybe you can see how the ceiling, etc., is put together. I'll be grateful if anyone else who reads this will chime in, as well. Trust me, I can use all of the help I can get.
Thanks,
Vicki

Maybe you should test the light levels and see how much supplemental light you will need. That might help you decide on what type of lighting to purchase. Good luck Vicki!

Cheers,
BD

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I don't grow under lights, but I believe you will need to move that light over your orchids. I *think* people usually hang these about three feet above the plants. Better check some of the lighting threads here and see what growers who use lights say.

Cheers,
BD

[orchidlady]

I don't grow under lights, but I believe you will need to move that light over your orchids. I *think* people usually hang these about three feet above the plants. Better check some of the lighting threads here and see what growers who use lights say.

Cheers,
BD

Yes, flourescent lighting needs to be hung close to the plants. I have T12 and T5 and both are within a foot of the plants. Of course that is their major source of light.

Susan

[Halloamey]

Vicki fluorescent lighting needs to be very close to the leaves (6 to 12 inches max.) to be effective. For a green house I would suggest Metal halide lights, they will be both cost efficient and effective. They provide the most amount of lumens per watt of energy they consume.