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Old 06-04-2007, 02:14 AM posted to rec.gardens.orchids
bobc[_2_] bobc[_2_] is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Feb 2007
Posts: 40
Default Fluorescent lighting

Hello again!
Spring is here - in my neck of the woods - and I feel good!
My question is concerning artificial lighting. I have a shelving unit
36" Lx 14"D x 52"H in front of the window with orchids on two
shelves. The top shelf contains several Cochleanthes and Phals all of
which are doing well. The next shelf down contains Paphs primulinum
and delenatii, Dendrochilum glumaceum, a couple no ID Phals, Aerangis
citrata, Ludisia discolor, and several pots of Pleurothallis grobyii
along with a Hwra. Lava Burst 'Puanani'. This shelf has three 18 watt
fluorescent plant lights and both shelves receives three to four hours
of early morning sunshine.
Now for the question :
1. Both Paphs have been with me for three years, are growing slowly,
but haven't flowered yet. They're in the brightest positions (closest
to the tubes) along with the Dendrochilum (which won't flower
either). The Phals are next down in terms of brightness. Ludisia
discolor and Aerangis citrata are in the lowest (farthest away from
the tubes) light position. The pots of Pths. grobyii are scattered
about, amongst and between the other plants. Does this arrangement
make sense to you?

The leaves closest to the light are three inches away from the tubes
and those farthest away are about twelve inches away from the tubes.
The tubes are six months old and I'm expecting to change them yearly.
I'm hoping the additional lighting will jump start these plants.
If anyone has any additional comments, or suggestions ... Thank you!
Bob Campoli