What is Artificial Lighting?
          Artificial Lighting is the creation of light using incandescent, fluorescent, and/or other man-made light source.  Orchid enthusiasts sometimes use Artificial Lighting to increase the rate of growth or as a supplement when there is not enough natural sunlight.

Do I need Artificial Lighting?
          Artificial lighting is not necessary to grow orchids.  In fact, we do not typically use artifical lighting to grow our orchids.  With that in mind, the proper use of artificial lighting is not harmful and can help if you have difficult light conditions.  This does not mean that you need "grow lights" (see the next section).  First, try moving your orchid to a better location where it can receive more of the existing artificial light in the room.  Or you can also place a light source closer to your orchid.

What are "Grow Lights"?
          "Grow Lights" are fluorescent lamps designed to facilitate plant growth. Grow lights are made by a number of lighting companies, such as GE Lighting , Sylvania, and Philips.  Grow lights are known for their pinkish or purplish hue and are typically not as bright as standard (cool blue) fluorescents.  
          You will probably not want to replace existing room lighting with grow lights. They won't provide as much light as your current incandescents or flourescents and can seem harsh.  Instead, use or add grow lights near your plant(s).  We also suggest that you use a combination of the cooler (blue) lamps with the warmer (pink) lamps.  This will provide a better balance of light and you will find this to be less harsh on your eyes.

Can I use Incandescents for Artificial Light?
          Incandescent lamps are suitable and they are commonly used as a light source for plants.  Flowering plants need more of the red section of the light spectrum.  And incandescents are strong in the red section.  The disadvantages of incandescents is that they are less efficient for promoting plant growth, are cost inefficient over time, and can be hot.  Incandescents can also dry plants out if placed to close.  The obvious advantage is that you don't have to change the lighting in your room to fluorescent (which some people dislike).