Please help...something is eating my leaves

[Breezy]

a couple/few hours of direct sunlight a day is okay for most orchids. However it also depends on what time of day it is getting this direct sunlight and from what direction. My indoors 'chids get Eastern exposure with 2-3 hours of direct sun in the morning and do great. My Catts that are outdoors get full sun from the east and south in the morning and early afternoon, depending on how hot out it is I sometimes have to move them to the shade. Full sun on a 70 degree day is definitely not the same as full sun on a 95 degree day.

[Breezy]

Originally Posted by Bospen

Well, unfortunately, I have no idea where to put it because of all the conflicting advice out there. How is shade defined? And bright shade? I have no idea what that is. Im in a state that might as well be an island known as south Florida. Should it be kept inside or outside?

Outside in the shade of your house can be considered bright shade or any place that isn't getting direct sun (as long as your not deep in a forest somewhere). You can leave it outside if you like, or bring it in. I think an Eastern exposure with or without shade is going to be best for your guy. Next would be South but shaded.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Stanhopeas are not Cattleyas. They don't grow in bright sunny locations.

There is no conflicting information about Stanhopeas as far as lighting is concerned. If you're getting them, someone's not telling the truth.

If you're in Florida, you can grow them outdoors so as long as it doesn't get below 60 F.

No direct sun at all for Stanhopeas. It's indirect light for these guys.

Shade or bright shade as in like the indirect light from underneath a tree.

Determine by the hand shadow method if you don't have a light meter. If you put your hand over where you want to grow the plant and it casts a soft shadow, you're fine. If you put your hand over where you want to grow the plant and it casts a hard shadow, it's way too much for Stanhopeas.

I don't have a light meter, so I can't give you numbers.

Stanhopeas are intermediate to warm growing.

[Bospen]

Thanks. Unfortunately, the only exposure it will get is from the west. One day when I move back to civilization, I hope to have a yard and options. I'll do what I can.

[Breezy]

West is completely fine, just make sure it is sitting in the shade most if not all of the time. Especially keep it out of direct West sun in the afternoon/evening when the sun is the hottest.

[orchidsamore]

Try lower light as suggested but lack of pigmentation in the leaves is a defining characteristic of magnesium deficiency.

This can happen in any plant. It is very common in Florida and all fertilizers in Florida have magnesium added. However, it is not common in orchids.

Dissolve a Tbs of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and use this to water your plants for a while.

I had Stanhopea growing next to flowering Vanda so they can take brighter light for some time.

[Breezy]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Stanhopeas are not Cattleyas.

I did not say the Stanhopeas were Catts. I was just stating what sun my 'chids take as a reference since I don't have any Stanhopeas. I never implied they were Catts. And I hope I didn't cause confusion. Next time I'll just stick with "my chids" rather than "my Catts" or "my Phals". I know how things can get confusing fast with the wealth of info/experience out there.