Light levels - Oncidium Jiaho Queen example

[HiOrcDen]

At one of the online sellers where I have bought a good number of orchids, they provide recommended light levels. However, when they use the description 'strong' light, their highest classification, they match it with the number '2,000+ f.c.' So I know this is not very high, so I presume it is a minimum.

So to take an example, one Orchid classified as liking strong light, 2,000+ f.c., on that website is the Oncidium Jiaho Queen. So is 40% shade cloth suitable for this plant?

[estación seca]

It depends on the season. 40% shade might not be enough for some Oncidiums in southern California.

[tmoney]

haha, deleted post cause i now realize shade cloth implies outdoor growing.

wish you the best!

[Dimples]

The % shade cloth needed with also depend on where exactly you are in Southern California. The general area has pleasant weather suitable to year round growing but the difference of only a couple miles can have an enormous impact on how you grow. If you’re in an extremely coastal location (0-2 miles from the coast) that gets heavy morning marine layer all year, clear skies typically only from 11am-3pm, strong reliable breezes and moderate temperatures, you can use a much lower % than where I am, 15 miles inland but still in the coastal-influenced zone. We have bright and hot summers and would need to block more light.

For reference, in the more inland areas of Southern California, annual vegetable crops (full sun plants) are often grown under 30% shade cloth to protect from sunburn and heat-stress, with minimal effect on total production.

You can always add more light by reducing the shade cloth % but you can’t fix toasted plants. My preference would be to start conservative and adjust as you go.