Phal Spikes - Maximum fc - Orchid Board

kinknstein · #1 02-05-2009, 02:38 PM

Hi. I grow all my orchids under banks of T5 lights. Mix of 5000K and 6500K bulbs. I have a number of NOID Phals in bloom or spiking right now. I have them positioned so that the leaves recieve between 800 and 1000fc. The spikes obviously are much taller though, what is the max fc they can recieve? I am concerned that I might be burning the flowers, they do not looked burnt persay, but the colour of the flowers has dramatically faded after only 2 or 3 weeks. They were quite a vibrant yellow, but have since faded quite a bit. Unfortunately I am at work right now and cannot upload any pics, but if pics would help I can post some tonight.

What about other groups of orchids, such as Miltonia's, Prostechea, Psychopsis, can the flower spikes handle more light than would typically be recommended for the foliage? For example if the Psychopsis normally grows in 2000fc, can the flower spike only handle a max of 2000fc as well?

I have been growing orchids for about 7 years, but have always used Metal Halide or HPS lighting. This is the first time I have used fluorescents in the garden and I have been very very impressed with the results I have gotten thus far.

kinknstein · #2 02-05-2009, 05:03 PM

I hope this isn't a silly question!!!

Brooke · #3 02-05-2009, 08:05 PM

No it's not a silly question but don't know if I can answer it since I never grew under T5's. I grew my phals under T8's and the bulbs were so cool I could get them as close as 3-4" without a problem. I know your's run warmer than mine did. Once they started opening, they went to a window sill to be enjoyed.

Have you bloomed the yellow previously? Many yellows will fade over time.

Hopefully someone with T5's will show up and give you a definite answer.

Brooke

Lagoon · #4 02-05-2009, 09:22 PM

I'm also growing under T8's - sorry I can't help you.
I just wanted to bump up the thread

kinknstein · #5 02-06-2009, 02:02 PM

Thats a good point I had not thought of Brooke, it is one of my first yellow Phals so maybe it is just a degree of natural fading.
I wonder if other folks move thier blooming phals out from under the lights? Seems like the easier way to go, but my windowsills might fill up fast.

quiltergal · #6 02-07-2009, 12:30 AM

I'm growing everything under T5s. I have found that some flowers deepen in color with higher fcs and others lighten, it just depends. I have a yellow Phal in spike right now that hasn't opened yet. It's right around 1500 fcs. I'll let you know if mine fades after it opens.

OrchidTess · #7 02-07-2009, 09:36 AM

I grow Phals and psychopsis under T5's and I do think the higher light fades the open flowers. So once the buds open the whole way I move them to a window in my living room under lower light and the blooms seem to stay vivid longer.
My psychopsis I move to the edge of the light stand so the spike can grow out from under the lights. Seems to work well for me.

MuscleGirl'sHobby · #8 02-07-2009, 09:58 PM

I don't grow under T5's, but I have had buds burned by my T12's. In fact, it just happended to me with a phal. I had to pluck off the two scorched buds and move the plant. The rest are now opening up and look OK, not great though.