Growing orchids with T5 lighting

[jimcarolm]

I want to set up a 4 ft. 4 bulb T5 lighting system in my basement. I plan to use it to grow phals. When I get them to flower can I bring them upstairs to enjoy or will taking them from their light source cause them to drop the flower?

[mayres]

If the rest of the cultural conditions are similar - temperature and humidity for example - I don't think this would be a problem at all. I grow my phals under shop lights and then take many of them over to my mother to enjoy during the bloom period. Never had a single bud/bloom drop from changing conditions. I think changing home conditions are a lot less severe than commercial growers to store to home conditions - which causes problems. Also the wintery weather conditions are significant issues in transferring blooming phals from place to place. In purchasing a plant from a local grower they didn't want me to even carry the plant 100 feet in the cold winter weather to my car unprotected for fear of bud drop. I had to drive my car practically to the door of the greenhouse and scurry the covered plant into my heated car! Many phal growers are now selling them wth towers of clear plastic up and over the blooms/buds to protect them from the chill of their surroundings - often they are placed near store open doors, near produce sections, etc. and within even hours are suffering. Many of our home grown phals will be blooming as the weather starts to warm just a bit which can take the edge off the temperature fluctuation issues. I'd say - go for it. Don't get your phals too close to the T5 bulbs - they can overpower a phal if you are not careful - you might think of starting around 18 inches away and watch the coloration of the leaves. Good luck - mike

[linda_shel]

Adjust your Phals to the T5s slowly but they will love them. I grow under T5s but have not as yet moved all of my Phals under them yet. I move my Phals from under them to the Living Room for display and do not usually drop buds.

[jimcarolm]

Thanks for the info. I am now growing my phals in a west facing box window. I want to design a space in my basement to grow with the T5s. 4 bulb, 6 bulb any suggestions? Right now my basement space is being used, but if I post a picture would anyone like to chime in with some ideas on what you would do to make it the most efficient, productive user friendly, growing area? I am very handy and can build most anything for the plants. Any input would be helpful. Thanks, Jim

[PhalPal]

I recently purchased all the lights and materials I will need to construct my own stand to hang my T5's. I will be using PVC pipe and chains to hang the fixtures. I also bought some of those humidity trays that have the little drain hose to make watering much easier. Two of them fit perfectly under my four foot/four bulb fixture. I will let you know how it goes when we get back from a short trip after Christmas.

Incidently, I also grow phals and plan on doing exactly what you thinking about, growing under lights and then moving them in bloom to enjoy. I now have everything in natural light. There are LOTS of growers on this forum who have progressed exactly as we are doing now and all are great at helping. Mike is a really good do-it-yourselfer! I look forward to sharing ideas. -Connie

BTW - It helps greatly to provide more accurate information if you would update your profile to include where you live.

[digitalgate]

pvc? aren't they fragile?

[PhalPal]

No, PVC is not fragile at all. It comes in many different diameters and is used for underground sprinkler systems around here. It's very easy to cut and work with.....cheap too!!

[digitalgate]

right cheap it #1 thing on my list. I am also throwing out my T5 for HPS

[rmt135]

Why don't you post of picture of what you have done once it is completed, PhalPal. It would be good to share with others.

[jimcarolm]

Digitalgate, Why are you going to get rid of the T5's?

[jimcarolm]

Phalpal, Where did you get the trays with the drain? Thanks, Jim

[digitalgate]

jim carolm , going for HPS with MH.

[cindiras]

i use wide spectrum flourescents on my flower cart, a two bulb fixture down the center of each shelf. Place Catts directly below the light, phals to the sides of the shelves. And house plants to fill any open spots.

[PhalPal]

Jim I got mine from Kelleys Orchids, link below. They were the best price I could find and are really good quality. It makes watering sooooo easy! -Connie
Kelley's Korner Orchid Supplies