"Shaded, but Bright" growing condition

[mollycart1]

What the heck does this mean? As part of some orchids' growing environment, I have seen this particular description. Does this mean it is shaded most of the time but 'bright light' is filtered through?

[RosieC]

Just guessing, but I think it means it needs bright but not direct light, so don't let the sun shine directly on it.

[Leisurely]

If the branches on a tree are very close to the ground, the area under the tree will be considered deep shade whereas, if the branches have been trimmed to produce a high canopy, light will be reflected from all directions to provide "bright shade" with no direct sunlight.

[got ants]

Oo, oo, I know this one!!! [hand_raised_high]

I actually was recently schooled on this at a recent lecture. Imagine the orchid out in situ, it is growing on a tree which has shade, but morning and afternoon light is bright. So direct sun in the morning is OK, as long as it;s shaded during the peak of the sun. Can be completely shaded, like an overhang from a roof.

At least that is what I was told.

[mollycart1]

Thanks guys.

[grasshopper]

I have wondered the same thing. This summer will be my first summer with orchids and I definitely want to summer them outside; however, I've been worried about providing them with enough light without burning them.

Thanks for posting the question and thanks for all the answers!

[Izzie]

Would being under an umbrella that's in strong southern exposure count as shaded but bright?


I wish there was a "do it yourself" way to measure candles/light exposure in an area without a special meter.

[Aceetobe]

Foot candle guides are just that - guides. Depending on your growing environment, fertilization routine, humidity, etc - plants can take a lot more or less than the recommended amount of light. Its best to observe the health of the plants themselves, and make any changes in its light slowly.

let the plants tell you how much light is enough, not a meter.

[flowerpower]

I just give my plants as much light as I can, East Windowsill minimum, but I would prefer them in a South! I live in the UK though so we don't get that blazing sun. It gets sunny but I don't think it's sunny to the point of burning a plant.

I consider the roof of my flat to be a bit of shade anyway

[Orchid126]

Bear in mind also that these instructions are for the brightest, sunniest parts of the country. Here in the light starved northeast, the plants need all the light they can get. Indoors it means right up against the glass in a south window, outdoors it means six or seven hours of morning sun and then bright shade (as opposed to heavy shade) the rest of the day.

You must go by your leaves. Are they dark green? If so, not enough light. They should be bright olive green. In the brightest part of the day are they cold to the touch? If so, they need more light. Are they warm to the touch? If so, move them back a few inches.

For every six inches away from the light source the light drops dramatically.