Orchid & Tropical Grow Lights

A reader recently told us about a line of grow lights designed especially for orchids. These Wonderlite orchid grow lights are wide spectrum bulbs designed for orchids and other tropical plants that tend to perform poorly in standard home or office environments.

According to the manufacturer, its "spectral distribution" balances blue, red and far-red wavelengths in the visible light spectrum (440, 660 and 740 nanometers), providing more than 90% of plants' requirements. The Wonderlite can be used in standard incandescent sockets, and is is available in two wattages: 160 or 300 watt. The 160 watt is usually placed 1-3 feet above plants, depending on the types of orchids being grown. The 300 watt is ideal for high-light demanding plants, like Vanda orchids, or high ceiling installations when the bulb must be placed further distances from plants.