J
jessbullock
Guest
Hello all,
I picked up some paph seedlings at the RBG orchid show over the weekend. I have some experience growing phalaenopsis in my fishroom (75-80F, 60-80% humidity, east facing window), watering with tank water (pH about 7.8, moderately hard).
The seedlings I bought:
supardii 'John Junior' x philippinense 'Norman' HCC/AOS
delenatii var dunkel 'John's Black Magic' CHM/AOS x self
Fourman's Pan Tao x henryanum
Okay, the questions..
The room only gets a few hours of sun in the morning, but I do have an extra 24" PC fluorescent fixture with two 65w 6500K bulbs (that are on independent switches). Should I use artificial light on these guys? I have an extra stand that I can use that will put the fixture max. 30" away from the plants.
I'm having a hard time finding out what paphs prefer calcium/other mineral content. Is there an online resource that explains this thoroughly? Should I be using r/o water for these guys? What's the point in using r/o water when using oyster shells, etc to increase mineral content?
I am fortunate that I already have an r/o unit, ph/EC/TDS meter, and related bits for the aquarium hobby that I can use for my budding (har har) orchid habit.
Many thanks!
I picked up some paph seedlings at the RBG orchid show over the weekend. I have some experience growing phalaenopsis in my fishroom (75-80F, 60-80% humidity, east facing window), watering with tank water (pH about 7.8, moderately hard).
The seedlings I bought:
supardii 'John Junior' x philippinense 'Norman' HCC/AOS
delenatii var dunkel 'John's Black Magic' CHM/AOS x self
Fourman's Pan Tao x henryanum
Okay, the questions..
The room only gets a few hours of sun in the morning, but I do have an extra 24" PC fluorescent fixture with two 65w 6500K bulbs (that are on independent switches). Should I use artificial light on these guys? I have an extra stand that I can use that will put the fixture max. 30" away from the plants.
I'm having a hard time finding out what paphs prefer calcium/other mineral content. Is there an online resource that explains this thoroughly? Should I be using r/o water for these guys? What's the point in using r/o water when using oyster shells, etc to increase mineral content?
I am fortunate that I already have an r/o unit, ph/EC/TDS meter, and related bits for the aquarium hobby that I can use for my budding (har har) orchid habit.
Many thanks!