How to Grow Orchids in Artificial Light
- 1). Purchase orchids or orchids bulbs that are well-suited to indoor growth. Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) and lady slippers (Paphiopedilums) both grow well in artificial lighting conditions. If purchasing potted orchids, skip ahead to Step 3. If buying bulbs, continue to Step 2.
- 2). Plant the orchid bulbs in 5-inch pots with peat moss, fir bark chips or sphagnum moss instead of standard potting soil. The moss or bark chips will retain moisture well.
- 3). Place the pots in a shallow tray containing gravel and water to provide humidity for the orchids.
- 4). Purchase a light fixture at least 4 feet in length, with room to hold up to four fluorescent lighting tubes.
- 5). Buy two warm white fluorescent tubes and two cool white tubes to place in the fixture. The lights should have a minimum power of 40 watts. "Warm" white and "cool" white refer to types of lighting; the packaging should be clearly marked when you purchase the tubes to tell you which is which.
- 6). Attach the light fixture to a wall or shelf where the lights will be as close as possible to the orchids without touching them, within 12 inches.
- 7). Leave the lights on over the plants for 12 hours during winter months and 16 hours during the summer to simulate the sun's natural seasonal pattern. Use a light timer to make the lighting system shut itself off and on automatically.
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