Does this look like enough light for phalaenopsis? (pic)

[priz_m]

I don't mean to change the subject, but BEAUTIFUL phal C_Brat

[Ross]

Originally Posted by cyberbrat

Clever!

I think the light meter is a great idea. Maybe other forum members will suggest one they use. I can search the inernet too.

Thanks again!

I have used cheaper ones in the past, but they were way off in the readings and actually difficult to get a useful reading. I now use Light Meters, 840006,840020,21,22 I have the 840020 lux/FC. Well worth the price if you need amount of light measured. I beleave there is one for sale in the Orchid Board classifieds http://www.orchidboard.com/community...p?do=ad&id=213 This looks like it will do just fine.

[cyberbrat]

Hello all, The Phal has moved to the East window!!! I bought it at the grocery store (could not believe it). The tag was very generic, I have misplaced it but will post any identifying information when I find it. I noticed the light is intense a few hours in the morning. Then due to the ledge of the roof...it does not directly shine rays into the window. Just bright light. One thing I noticed though is it has leaves that are crinkly. They were like that when I got it but the big one is getting a little worse...am I already killing it? I hope not...Here is a pic to show the new location and 'crinkles'.

[cyberbrat]

Thanks Ross! When you use the light meter...where do you point it? The base, leaf...flower? As you can see...I am ultra beginner but want to do the right thing! Thank you!

[Bird Song Farm]

Wow, it looks much happier there! It just glows and the early morning sun won't hurt it a bit.

If the leaves are wrinkled it might be a good idea to check the roots for root rot.

If you need more help with that let us know.

AL

[Ross]

There is a "light dome" on the extension part (it's a white dome). That gets held next to the leaf surface and facing the light source. You need to be ambidextrous to do this and hold the meter with the other hand take a reading. Mine has a lock on it that will hold the reading while you move the meter about (say if you can't see the dial while taking the reading.) Not sure on the one for sale. I recommend contacting the seller on the Orchid Board sale and ask them specific questions. Something like that will serve you well into the future as you try to deal with lighting issues. First thing I always ask of posters asking questions about light is "have you taken a light meter reading? What was it telling you?" Hope this helps.

[Ross]

By the way, the wrinling I see is no big deal. Shrivelling would indicate lack of moisture (too dry or rotted roots) but you show a common deformity that just sort of happens lots of times.

[Bird Song Farm]

Ross is correct about the leaf "crinkles". I thought I was missing a picture...LOL

The leaves look fine, just be careful with the water. Phals like to go almost dry before watering again.
Hope I didn't scare the heck out of you!
Al

[katfemme89]

c_brat that's a beautiful plant. If I'm not mistaken, it is a Nobby's Amy... I had two of them, but one of them died. They have exquisite looking flowers. And it looks like it might have enough light... but if it looks like it's not getting enough, I would just get a floor lamp at lowes and affix those curly flourescent bulbs in it and your light problem will be solved :-). I bought one from lowes for about 20 or 30 dollars including bulbs, and it has three fixtures in the whole lamp, so it puts out quite a bit of light. I will link you to a picture of my setup, hang on.

[katfemme89]

Here's my setup http://www.orchidboard.com/community...reenhouse.html

It's not conventional, but it works.

I bought the three tier shelf from lowes (35$), two flourescent lights and affixed them to the shelves with zip ties (flourescents were about 7 or 8 dollars apiece) and the floor lamp was about 40 in all including flourescent power saving bulbs. It cost quite a bit all at once, but you can always just start off a little at a time so it won't be such a slap to your bank account.