If you do want to try artificial lights, if you have enough room to set up a
shelf with fluorescent lights above it, use both cool lights and warm
lights. However, fluorescent lights usually are sold in 4' lights, so they
take up quite a bit of space. For two orchids only, you could try an AgroSun
Dayspot 150 Watt incendescent light (that's what I am using, and I'm happy
with it, but I use it to supplement a northern window, and I don't know
whether it would be enough on it's own without any light from the window,
but it does take much less space than fluorescent lights do. Incendescent
lights generally are not an energy-efficient solution, and one does need
them in daylight spectrum, I think, for them to be any good to the plants.
Fluorescents are much more energy-efficient, and the cool-warm combo
provides enough of the light spectrum, but they take up so much space! There
are smaller fluorescent light bulbs for sale, but you would need to research
a bit, since 4-foot are the standard.

Joanna

"Maggie's Mom" wrote in message
...
Hi all. I've been a lurker for quite some time, but since I did not have
anything to contribute, or to ask about, I just read your posts.

Now I do have a question: can orchids live and bloom in artificial light?
If
yes, what would be the best source?

We are about to move, and the future house does not have a window with a
morning to noon sun. Right now I have two orchid plants, one rescue and
the
other one a gift. The rescue is white phal, and the gift - I really have
no
idea what it is, except that it has flattened bulbs from which it sprouts
narrowish leaves. This did not bloom yet, so I cannot describe the color
of
the flower. I heard it was supposed to be yellow, possibly with orange/red
spots.

Anyway, the two orchids are in the window where they get morning to noon
sun, and they are very happy. After we move, I will have to place them by
a
window, but - alas! - no window receives morning sun, and afternoon sun is
much too hot.

Greenhouse is out of a question (moneywise).

I am open to any ideas and suggestions...