[atcrosby]

I am not sure about the lighting as I am just exploring that option for my orchids. I am investigating LED Grow lights and have learned a lot about the red / blue spectrum and chlorophyl. Everything I have seen indicates the distance between the bulb and the plants has to be short so I am wondering if the light is providing much benefit. Perhaps Mike can chime in since he's got grow lights.

As for buying through mail order versus local. I strongly recommend local growers over Home Depot or mail order. I personally have done all of these and the best thus far have been from a local grower. Add the fact you can develop a relationship with the grower and this becomes an instant reference if you start experiencing problems. I have a grower here with a lot of plants and he's taught me a lot thus far.

I must admit that Norman's Orchids and Quarter Acre Orchids have been good to me via mail but avoid 888Orchids.com I buy all my pots and medium online.

Good luck.