Adjusting orchids to T5's?????

[PhalPal]

I have recently set up T5's, a four foot bank of four bulbs. It is still a temperary set-up until I get the stand the way I want it built so I haven't posted pictures yet. After just a few days I have a little sunburn on some oncidium leaves; they have been getting only about 1,000-1,200 footcandles. Is there a good versus bad way to wean plants to tolerate artificial lighting?? Is it better to have them under all the bulbs for a shorter amount of time, or use fewer bulbs for a longer period of time? OR.....keep them far from the lights and move them closer over time?

I want to add some phals, presently in weak natural light, to this fixture. If the higher light oncidiums are getting burned, I'm worried about my phals.

[brookn]

I think moving them a little closer every day is a good way to do it. When I introduce the plants back to the outdoors in the spring, I take them to deep shade, then move to increasing lighter areas until they are where I am going to keep them for the summer.

[mayres]

How close do you have them? I put my oncidiums right under them without any problems - but I was careful not to get too close. All my medium to high light plants went right under my six tube fixture without any issues. 14 hours a day presently. I will extend to 16 in another month or two probably. If they were used to very weak light previously you might consider using the same technique recommended for transferring your plants to outside after being indoors - start with only 15 minutes and double the time each day until you have your full period - takes about a week. Good luck! I have not put any phals under them as yet - would need another fixture and they seem to do really well under my cheapie home depot shop lights! Hang in there! You can do it!