Orchid Growing Lights - Setting Up Your Orchid Growing Area

The majority of the most beautiful exotic orchid species originate from tropical and subtropical regions of the earth. They generally thrive in hot, oppressive, high humidity climates such as; Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Australia and Polynesia. Their natural habitat is usually found within a tropical rainforest where although, they are shaded from direct sunlight by the tree canopy of the forest, the light intensity is quite bright. To successfully grow this type of orchid, it is really necessary to set up a separate growing area that closely mimics the climatic conditions that are found in these equatorial regions. In this article I will attempt to convey information on the requirements needed to successfully set up an indoor area that will incorporate your orchid growing lights into the overall construction of your high humidity environment.

You have two options to choose from; you can either set up a green house in your garden or choose to grow your plants in your basement or garage. We will analyse the second option with emphasis placed on the lighting system that may be used and the type of reflective surfaces that will be required as well as adequate drainage and satisfactory air circulation.

When deciding to grow in a basement or garage area, the first question you must ask yourself is; where will the water drain to? You have several options here; if you have a floor drain already in place then you need not worry. If not you may decide to either grow your plants on humidity trays or on specially built benches complete with a drainage channel that drains the excess water into a bucket.

The humidity created within this environment can not only damage the structure of your building causing wooden beams to rot and concrete blocks to crack, but it will also create the ideal environment for fungi to grow and spread disease among your plants. So the most important thing to do is to fit an oscillation fan so as to create adequate air circulation flowing throughout your growing area.

The question of the high humidity generated and the possible structural damage caused, can be easily overcome by fitting white plastic sheets to the ceiling and painting your walls with white vapour seal paint. White creates a highly reflective surface that will increase the intensity of your lighting by up to 30% this means that you will not only save on electricity, but a smaller lighting system will be sufficient to cover a much greater area. The plastic on the ceiling will serve to increase the humidity level.

It is recommended that you place your growing area along the walls of your basement this will act as a heat sink and stop the temperature rising to unbearable levels.

There are many different sodium or fluorescent lighting systems available on the market. The output and size of the lights required will be totally dependent on the overall size of your growing area and how they will be mounted. Consult an expert at your local nursery, discuss your setup and the types of orchids that you will be growing and they will be able to give you advice on the best type and intensity of lighting to suit your requirements.

About this Author

Hi, my name is Steve, if you would like to learn more about orchid growing lights [http://www.orchidgrowth.com/orchid-lights]? Visit my website at http://www.orchidgrowth.com for helpful tips and information on buying, propagating, cultivating and caring for healthy thriving orchids.

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