'raisin pie' Hsinying Lighting Techniques?

[ameliatree]

Hello,

I am new to orchid growing, but am working on a time-lapse photography project in which I must use a 'raisin pie' Hsinying.

This will take place over a matter of a few weeks and must be done inside without disturbing the plant or the camera. I would like to put a growing light in the studio space to keep the plant alive. What spectrum of light would this plant need, and is there a bulb available that would fit in a normal household light socket?

I will either have to water the plant from a dish below its pot or above the plant careful not to disturb anything. Which way would be the most appropriate?

Thank you for your time,

AmeliaTree

[Diane]

There are grow-light bulbs in the floodlight type size that will screw into most home sockets, that would be best if it could be hung above the plant, about 12" away. Water from above and allow to drain into a saucer below, then empty the saucer by either a drain hole, or use a towel to soak up the water. You should water the plant so the saucer fills twice, then leave it be for 3 -5 days depending on how humid it is. Leave the light on for about 12 hours.

[ameliatree]

WOw! what a fabulous reply! I can't thank you enough!

I will be sure to post how the photo shoot went (with pictures!!!! )

All the best to yoU!!!!!

Amelia

[Diane]

WOw! what a fabulous reply! I can't thank you enough!

I will be sure to post how the photo shoot went (with pictures!!!! )

All the best to yoU!!!!!

Amelia

We'll be waiting for the pictures!

[Piper]

Hi Ameila,

It sounds like a very cool project!

Diane's advice is spot on. I'm just going to recap the fixed variables as I understand them, and add a point or two to what she suggests.

I'm assuming you can't move the camera or the plant for the duration of the shoot. I'm also assuming you want to keep the plant happy and healthy throughout.

The length of the project will determine how critical your light levels are. How much of the spike and bud development are you trying to capture? It takes about two months for the spike/bud to fully form and open. Once the bud begins to open, it takes a few days for the flower to fully set, but within a week it's where it's going to be for the next month or two.

Once the bud starts to open, the lighting (for plant health) is far less critical, if that's the period you're trying to capture. Orchids can happily sit in low light levels for a time without trouble. (Once they're blooming that is!) Proper light during spike formation is more important and does influence the orientation of the bud.

Diane mentioned watering from above. You'll need to do that to wet all the medium thoroughly. But the pot should not sit in water! That's why she suggested a way of draining the pan. That will be very important. A Paph. wants even moisture (ie, don't dry it out), but it doesn't want to be soggy. If the pot sits in water, it will wick up through the potting material and soak the roots. (Very bad.)

Good luck with the project and please post your pictures!

Julie

[the4smiths]

Hi,

Does the raisin pie get very big? How do you care for yours? I live in Mo and I am unsure if it would do well inside in the winter.

Lora

[Piper]

Hi Lora,

I have a Paph cross with Raisin Pie as one of the parents, and I'd expect the plant size and cultural requirements to be extremely close. Here's the first bloom a year and a half ago when I got it:

http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...ead.php?t=1571

This last winter it bloomed again, but with a highly unusual second bud! It can happen, but don't expect it. Here's a shot with the plant size:

http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...?t=3833&page=3

Between the two blooms, the plant flowered for 5 months! It's now a vigorous 4-growth plant. Here's a picture from today. I decided to leave (pun intended) that funky flower-spike leaf on, because it will provide a little more energy to the plant, and...well...because it's so funky!

Culture in MO should be the same as it is here in New England. My nights don't go below 60, and days are typically 67-68. I do run a humidifier in each of the rooms, because the plants will want the moisture and winter humidity is so low. Good luck!

Julie

[Diane]

I notice the decanter is empty....

[Piper]

That happens with little warning...

Julie

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I notice the decanter is empty....

LOL! I noticed the same thing earlier and I said to myself...I wonder how long it will be before D or Hoa mention it!

Cheers!
BD