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 :- 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