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Orchids & the Proper Installation of 1000 Watt HPS Lights

High Pressure Sodium (HPS) grow lights are ideal for indoor orchid cultivation, because they provide very bright light in the red to orange spectrum range, imitating natural sunlight. This type of light encourages healthy growth, rapid development and hearty flowering of most types of orchid plants. Growing lamps are available fully assembled or in kit form. Kits are less expensive, and come with instructions for assembly and wiring. This type of lighting was originally used for commercial installations, but homeowners and homebuilders show interest in using them in residential settings because of their high efficiency ratings, low energy consumption and low operational costs.

Things You'll Need

  • Light bulb
  • Ballast
  • Reflector
  • Socket
  • Lamp cord
  • Power cord
  • Wire hooks
  • Cooling system (optional)
  • Timer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select an area up to 5 feet by 7 feet to install a 1000-watt HPS growing lamp. The growing lamp should be no more than 6 to 8 inches above the plants. Position the lamp hooks to hang the reflector the proper distance above the plants. Become familiar with the temperature and humidity preferences of your plant, understanding that orchids are classified according to their natural habitats.

    • 2

      Assemble the lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some growing lamps incorporate cooling systems to prevent overheating of the light bulbs or of the plants. Install the lamp in the selected space. Additional lamps will be necessary if the growing area is larger than 5 feet by 7 feet.

    • 3

      Install a timer to ensure that the orchids get a rest time. Plants respirate when it is dark, a process essential to healthy growth. Orchids require 14 to 18 hours of light, making them a "long day plant."