The Plus And The Minus Of Raising Orchids Under Lights
For general knowledge, the light intensity is measured in fc which is the short form for foot candle or by klux which is an abbreviation of kilo lux which is the international measuring unit for light. The equation between a fc and a klux is that about 92.3 fcs make 1 klux. The light intensity can be measured with the help of a light meter which works best when used at the time the light is at its maximum, i.e. exactly at noon time.
Raising Orchids Under Lights - The Optimal Conditions
Orchids would normally require and revel in light of 10 thousand fcs or more. It is easier to adapt a low level light orchid to a high level light than vice-versa. You would never be able to coerce a high level light orchid to bloom in conditions where light is low. The low or medium level light orchids would tolerate more light better if they are watered more often. This would mean that plants that need watering every 10 days should be watered every eight days instead.
There are indicators that would tell you whether your plant is happy with the light you are providing or not. It is possible to study the orchids you are growing and know exactly what type of light they prefer. If you do not know where to go for guidance, visit an orchid sale shop and ask for their assistance regarding raising orchids under lights. They would be able to guide you pretty accurately.
Alternatively you could definitely use the Internet on raising orchids under lights, however for this option you need to know the name of your orchid so you could match it with the information available on the Internet. Check the leaves of your orchid carefully. If these are healthy green, hard and crisp to the touch the light is just okay. However, the light would be too low if they are dark green and if you find that the leaves are a funny purplish in color, then you are giving too much light to your orchid.
Raising Orchids Under Lights With The Best Help Available
There is always scope to raise orchids under artificial lights and if you so want, but be careful that you choose the right medium. When it comes to growing orchids you need to be highly accurate about the requirements of the plant or you would not get any results. Choose horticultural lamps over the household lamps because the former offers a better spectrum of light for plants.
What you need here for raising orchids under lights is the high intensity horticulture lamps which could emit 1000-9000 fc which would be just right for your favorite plants. These would give you the value for your money.