What are the chances an orchid will survive at work?

Recently, I've become obsessed with getting the conditions just right to grow an orchid on my desk at work. Let's face it, work is dull and spend way too much of day to day lives there. My thoughts were if I have to be tied to a desk for 8 hours a day, might as well have something there to entertain myself.

So I've started tracking data on the temperature and humidity on my desk. I've got the monitor sitting under my desk light (long bulbs attached to the cube not the average plug in lamp). Over the past 24 hours, I've had readings of 41-48% humidity and temperatures between 72-77. I've got the monitor sitting on a shotglass of water to help with the humidity but I don't think it's making much of a difference.

Temperatures are looking fine but any recommendations on increasing the humidity? As I'm looking to have a mini Phal, I've considered getting on one of those globe live glass covers in hopes it would keep it warm and increase humidity. Total newbie at this, but please provide any and all thoughts. Thanks!

 

I'm not sure what wattage the light is. It's a typical tube florescent bulb underneath the cabinet built into the cubicle. And I had intended on sitting the plant on the desk (which would be about 3 feet from the light), but I can easily elevate it with books or something else to put it closer to the light. This morning, I tested a hot cup of water and sat the temperature/humidity monitor on top of it. It worked like a charm and I was able to get the humidity up to 60% so far and it keeps raising. I've also debated on putting out a humidity tray to see if that helps. Thoughts?

 

I know you're so right, Ray. I guess regardless, work has been so miserable lately, I just want something happy to look at and enjoy while I'm here. I gave in today and purchased two baby (miniature) Phals from the local greenhouse. I name everything, so I'm still thinking of names for these two. If they bring just a smidge of joy, it's worth it! And if they start to look a little sad, then the four at home will have new friends.

 

Good one Carl! And thanks for the encouragement Garrett! I haven't been in the office since Thursday so they do crazy things to heat/AC over the weekend, so I'm curious to see how well they're doing.

 

Just an update. I've noticed a couple more blooms on each orchid that have opened over the weekend since Thursday when I purchased them. They seem to be doing okay, except when I came into work, the humidity monitored registered around 36% which I know is WAY LOW for what they need. My humidity tray was completely bone dry as well. I guess they can't be too unhappy if they're still blooming and not dropping blooms or buds, right? *knock on wood*. I'll keep everyone posted.

 

I wanted to conclude this thread by saying big fail. We had our first hard frost of the season this weekend, and apparently, whatever they did with the heat here at work made the orchids very unhappy. I came in to the humidity reading saying 26% and several buds on both orchids showing signs of shriveling.

Clear enough sign that I'll be taking them both home this afternoon. Unfortunate, but can't say I didn't try. Maybe I'll try again in the spring. Thanks to everyone's advice! I have to say you all told me so!