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Artificial light for orchids??

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by Ben2828, Aug 31, 2017.

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  1. Aug 31, 2017 #1
    Ben2828

    Ben2828 New Member

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    Hi guys... I live in South india with an average temp. of 27-35 degrees I am just starting out on my orchid adventure... I just have some 2 large dendrobium phalaenopsis and 5 tolumnias and 1 oncidium and 3 dendrobium seedlings... I have the oncidium and tolumnia in a window sill in my home... but it gets less light during some weeks... I cannot keep it outside because the temp. will be high 35-40 degrees. I have a LED ceiling light right above them but it is a white light.. I think the white spectrum of light will not be sufficient for it. I am planning of getting a light fixture to provide the sufficient lighting as the tolumnias require quite a lot of light. Any tips will be appreciated..:).
     
  2. Aug 31, 2017 #2
    naoki

    naoki Well-Known Member

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    Ben, white LEDs work. Indeed, I don't use those red/blue LEDs any more. This is because the technology of white LEDs have been progressing much faster than monochromatic LEDs due to demand. Some high-end grow light makers have been moving to white + red.

    Plants can utilize light between 400-700nm, red photons are slightly more efficient (about 30%) than others, but not much. Here is the efficiency of different wavelength photons for photosynthesis (the red line).
    [​IMG]
    By Hankwang released under CC-BY-SA 3.0 (wikipedia link).

    Note that with LEDs, there are HUGE differences in efficiency between products (in both white and monochromatic LEDs).
     
    weeand likes this.