I think you can grow outside for most of the year, if you are willing to
compensate for low humidity by more frequent watering. [Some people avoid
that with a wetter potting mix, perhaps you could too, but it's never worked
for me.] For winter:

Phals don't need a whole lot of light (although a windowless room would
indeed be too dark). Many but by no means all Catts will also adjust to
less than optimal light within a couple years, at least enough to bloom, if
not quite as profusely as they might otherwise do. But since you are going
to have to have them inside for at least part of the year regardless, the
grow light would be a plus during that time. Good growing, Kenni

"Uncle_vito" wrote in message
...
I live in So Cal and am familiar with growing cymbidiums. They grow fine
outside with just fertilizer and water.

I want to learn to grow phals and catleyas and realize they need a more
humid and possibly warmer environment.

A) I can grow them outside during most of the year and have them get
plenty of heat and light. Humidity is low however.

B) I can grow them in the house, in their own room. I can humidify the
room and control the temperature, but sufficient light is lacking. An
electric grow light could be used to provide the light and it would be on
a timer..

Would I be successful with A or do I really need B. If I do B, how well
does the artificial light work.

An outdoor greenhouse is not really a possibility as I have shade trees
all over my yard and it is hard to find spots with sufficient sunlight.

Thanks for replies. This is a great hobby and keeps my out of the bars.

Vito