Artificial Orchid Lights

You can grow your orchids in indoor glass cases away from a window and use artificial lights instead of natural light. In fact, it is not recommended to place a growing case near a window as it can become overheated very quickly. Fluorescent lights designed for horticultural use are available are available in various sizes to fit most case. They should be placed at least 15 cm (6 in) from the tallest leaves of the plants. For most orchids suited to this culture, 40 watt tubes are sufficient. The light intensity of the tubes will be greatest at the centre, and some slight differences can be taken advantage of by placing those plants in need of most light below the centre of the tube.

The greatest advantage of using artificial lights is that the ‘daylight’ hours can be controlled and your plants can benefit greatly during the winter months when they can be given the same daylight hours as in the summer. This longer day length all the year round will compensate the plants for the lower intensity of light than natural sunlight. Those orchids best suited to this artificial environment are those warm-growing, low light plants which have little or no resting period and can be relied on to bloom throughout the year. Topping the the list for suitability under these conditions are Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums. You could also try Miltoniopsis. 
May the light be with you!

John M Barry
"The Orchid Guy"