Question
I have a small collection that includes 3 vanda ascocendas. I am wondering if using grow lights will help them flower more and do better and if so, what type of grow lights should I use? I am researching a dual metal halide and high pressure sodium system. Any advice or knowledge you may have is greatly appreciated!

Answer
Ascocendas don't require as much light as some assume. I find they do much better ouitside when the temperatures don't drop below 50 degrees F.  More impoortant than light is humidity and air movement.  They like to be watered daily early in the day. The air movement helps to dry them out after watering to prevent diseases.

I have grown vandaceous orchids at a distance of about 30 inches from the end of a 400 W High pressure sodium light.  They grew fine but never flowered.  The problem, I believe, is the heat generated by the lights.  Another problem is that as members of the vandaceous alliance grow the tops may get too much light and the bottom too little.

I have friends who who been very successful growing them in a window.  Again, they like moisture and humidity.  If you try growing them under high intensity lights, start at low light levels and lower temperatures. It helps to have the ballast separate from the actual light fixture to reduce the concentration of heat by the plant.