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

[cyberbrat]

Birdsong...you scared me all right!!! Sometimes I have problems with photobucket posting pics. Whew...glad the leaves are somwhat normal. I will be careful with the water for sure.

Ross...I will plan to get one of those light meters you reference. Will check the posting on the classifieds too. I like taking the guesswork out as much as possible. Appreciate the how to use guidance also.

Katfemme89...AWESOME bedroom setup!!! I kept thinking there has got to be a more affordable way than the light tables I have seen online Compact Lite Cart G24 : TNFarmSupply.com, Quality Farm Supplies that was it! Wonderful! Also very creative...thank you for sharing. Eventually I want to build a collection of mini orchids...but first I must be comfortable with the Phals. I adore my Phal, and am going to get a bigger table for the east window so I can add just a few more. I will google Nobby's Amy...so pretty.

I am nervous about being a good orchid keeper but am so happy to have found such nice and helpful people. My phals might just have a chance!!!



cyberbrat

[katfemme89]

Originally Posted by cyberbrat

I kept thinking there has got to be a more affordable way than the light tables I have seen online Compact Lite Cart G24 : TNFarmSupply.com, Quality Farm Supplies that was it!

Omg I know!!! I kept looking for grow tables online, and asking people on the board about theirs, and I kept getting answers that were up in the hundreds!!! and I was like I want to spend most of my money on orchids, not just a space to put 'em in! lol

And I'm sure if you use your imagination, you can make some tweaks to my setup that you can let me in on!!!

[kckerobe]

I have 4 phals sitting on the north facing windowsills in the master bedroom. I raise miniblinds above the spike since those windows do not have direct sunlight coming in. I agree with jkofferdahl that your pix showing the plant is sitting on the dimm side -- not bad for a phal to live but not enough for rebloom if you are planning to keep it for longer term.

If you can read in the natural light, you want it to be on the brightside of reading light, almost to a point of wanting to pull the shade so you can read without the glare reflecting from the pages -- that's the kind of light brightness your phal enjoys. If you feel uncomfortable raising the bamboo shade, a gooseneck lamp with a low wattage CFL lightbulb might help (to save on electric bill). A single 13w of white CFL output equivalent to a 60W normal lightbulb = 800 lumen. I use the 23w CFL = 100W normal = 1600 lumen output, which I also grow paphiopedilums under.

KC

[katfemme89]

Good idea, KC... I've never before seen someone explain how many lumens a regular bulb outputs. and I've never been able to get a straight answer about light requirements... I had to just do it trial and error by myself! So thanks for the info! I wish someone had told me this when I was a newbie! lol.

-Kat

[cyberbrat]

kckerobe,

Thank you for the light guidance, it is very helpful! I raise the bamboo shade during the day and lower it for an hour during late afternoon (direct sun comes in at that time). Once I open the East blind I usually leave the room because it is just too bright for me! I think in winter I will need the CFL fixture.





cyberbrat

[cyberbrat]

Hello,

I found the plant tag and it is generic!!! It is from McLellan Botanicals. They have a website called orchidexperts.com. All it says regarding the plant is: Phalaenopsis. Temperature Day: 70-90F; Night: 60-70F Water Every 5-7 days, keep evenly moist, avoid wet foliage, best to water in mornings Light Moderate, idirect light Fertilize 1-2 times per month. Less in winter.

Absolutely nothing regarding any specifics of the geneology of the plant.



cyberbrat

Originally Posted by 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'.