Southern exposure during winter

[ardera]

So I am convinced that my 'chids are not getting enough sun (don't know for sure, but that is what I am thinking). I just moved them from an East window, to a South window, and they are between 1-2 feet from the window (on a baker's rack). Would it be safe to not use a sheer to diffuse the sunlight? I had read that winter sun is not as strong as summer sun, but they would have direct sun. I'm just not sure if this would be ok or not. I'm just worried that with the distance from the window, the sheer might be diffusing the light too much. Just a basic white sheer from Wal-Mart, nothing really thick, or really thin.

Thanks.

[johnblagg]

That would depend on what kind of orchids I think.A phal you might burn a catt maybe not.Catts take more light and even need full sun untill maybe 10:30 or 11 and mine did well with full sun from about 6:30 pm untill dark too.

A phal would have burnt for sure with the same sun.What kind do you have?

[ardera]

Oh yeah, no trees or anything providing shade to window.

[ardera]

3 catts, 1 phal (on top shelf, so not getting any direct light), 2 Angraecums, 3 oncidiums. Actually have 1 baby Phal on 2nd shelf, might need to move him. (Need to repot him too. Got him about a month ago, and realized that they put him in potting soil, with bark on top of it. Roots not rotting yet, but no pretty green ones either.)

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

What's prompting you to think that your plants aren't getting enough sunlight?

[ardera]

My angreacums are VERY green, like deep forest green, and one of my two catts is also very green and still just a sheath, no buds in there whatsoever. Other catt is still VERY new. I guess I will just keep the curtain closed, and keep an eye on them. I'm just VERY new to this, and want my babies to be happy. Maybe over-reacting a bit.

[Becky15349]

Hi andrea!! I grow on a south windowsill all year round and I've noticed that it really helps to have a fan blowing on the orchid leaves to help diffuse the heat, if there is any. I received some good advice which was "give the orchids as much sun as you can without burning the leaves" and a few of those 6" desk fans really help keep the foliage cool. I've been growing in a south window for just over a year now and have had great blooming!! So my advice is, don't put up sheers, just get fans!!!

[Ross]

I grow all my non-terrarium orchids in south window, no curtain, with 5 compact light fixtures in addition to the sun. But I slowly acclimated them. You will certainly burn many of the leaves if the plants are not adjusted to that much light. I grow Angaecum, Paphs, Phrags, Phals, Masdies, Maxillaria, Brassia, Oncidium, Encyclia, Laelia, Sophronitis and Dendrobium all intermingled (same light). The ones next to window require highest and the ones back from window (24-30") the least. The leaves of some shade the others. Hope this helps.

[ardera]

So they used to be in an unprotected East window. To acclimate them, would just a sheer work? Or should I try a little more "shade"? I actually have my white "orchid" sheers, but I also have some dark red decorative sheers on the windows as well, usually just pushed to the sides. I guess I'm asking what the best method to acclimate them would be. Also, Ross, do you leave them in the South window in the summer as well? How do you keep them from getting burned? Fan?

[brush]

I have to agree with the fans as well . I have phals in all exposures and have a fan running for part or most of the day that the sun is out , winter or summer . In my southern exposure when the sun is lower in the winter , the sun comes in farther into the room . I do have a lacey curtain to shield them from the direct sun . They seem to be very happy there . I have phals in a western exposure which would be directly affected by the sun in winter . I also have a lace curtain and an extra curtain to sheilds tha phals from the burning sun at the hottest part of the day. Also running a fan around them to keep them cool.