Low light Phalaenopsis - Orchid Board

weez1959 · #1 01-26-2010, 12:10 PM

Do all Phalaenopsis require low light or is it just some.
Besides a light meter, is there another way of determining light intensity?
In other words, if I were to say I'd like to keep one on my kitchen table with a 60w bulb about 25" above it, what would you guys estimate the lumens at?
The one I currently have has been living there for 8-9 months now so it can't be all bad but I would like to know for sure.

Also, anyone here know of a good orchids & supplies website in Canada. I'm having a real hard time finding one...
Thanks again...

slipperfreak · #2 01-26-2010, 01:05 PM

Not all Phals are low light. The hybrids are in general (except Kenneth Schubert), but many of the species (like schilleriana and other mottled leaved ones) appreciate brighter light. Not really bright, but moderate. I always speak of light in terms of foot-candles. Most mature Phals will grow at 800-1000 fc (maybe even as low as 600, I've flowered them under pretty low light), while mottled leaved species like around 1500, maybe up to 1800.

If the 60W bulb you are talking about is incandescent, it's not a great choice for growing orchids. They generate too much heat, and the output is not worth the input. I have used T8 fluorescent tubes for Phals (2 X 40W), mounted about 8-12" above the leaves. Those work okay, but T5 bulbs are better, especially if you are planning on growing a mixed collection. You can buy T8 bulbs pretty much anywhere that sells lights, and T5s from greenhouses and hydroponics shops. I have to say though, that Phals will grow well without supplemental lighting (in my experience) if they are near a bright (east or west) window. You can grow them at quite a distance from a large south window that gets bright light all day as well. Their light requirements are very easy to meet.

I don't know of any Canadian supply stores online. I rely on my orchid society, orchid shows, and local stores. Hydroponics stores often carry nifty orchid growing supplies, as do greenhouses that sell orchids. It takes a little bit of hunting.

johnblagg · #3 01-26-2010, 01:56 PM

And you couls replace the 60 watt incadesent out with a cfl of a good wattage and have no light problem at all.....say a 40 watt cfl

weez1959 · #4 01-26-2010, 02:24 PM

I just checked, it is a CFL but 23w, I'll try to get a 40w next time I'm out. Because it's my kitchen table, it's the best I can do but I'm working on adding a couple of small shelves to my window sills.

I've added a sketch to show what my exposure is like. Keep in mind that I have a big (5-6') overhang on the bedroom and livingroom windows. By the way would the BR and LR windows be considered southern exposure?

The green rectangle is my kitchen table...

weez1959 · #5 01-26-2010, 10:15 PM

anyone have an aswer to my exposure question?

Zoi2 · #6 01-26-2010, 10:32 PM

Your living room might be considered south, your bedroom would be southwest. Your phal should do ok on your kitchen table if you do not have heavy drapes on the french doors and your kitchen window.
Joann

orchidsamore · #7 01-26-2010, 10:59 PM

Phalaenopsis naturally grow down from tree branches. The top of the leaf (the bottom in a pot) does not have chlorophyll so does not burn in high light.

I grow mounted Phals in 3-5,000 foot candles right next to my Vanda.

It is only when we grow them upside down in pots that they become light sensitive.

You can not guess the light coming from a window. There are so many variables in the type of glass, UV protection and angle of light from the sun. With a light meter I have measured windows I thought were bright to be only 3-500 foot candles.

If the plant has been in the same local for several days without a problem then the light is not too high. It is only when they fail to flower that we know the light is too low. (With Phals they also need a temperature drop from day to night of about 15 degrees)

weez1959 · #8 01-27-2010, 09:50 AM

good morning guys and gals

well last night my daughter came home with 2 more phals in full flower. She's such a sweetie but I have no idea where I'll put them.... I guess the kitchen table will have to do until I set up my windows

So it looks like I have a job to do today cuz I can't start filling up my table

I think I will start with my bedroom.
I'll post pics of them later on but now a couple of questions...
Will the flowers drop off since they were brought home in winter. She says she warmed up the car before bringing them in and they were wrapped with paper over the clear plastic wrap.
they are now in clear plastic orchid pots, do I leave them be or can I at least put them in an unglazed ceramic cache-pot?

Hedge · #9 01-27-2010, 12:01 PM

Hi Louise

What a considerate daughter! (Hint to person sat to my left)

By the sound of things your flowers should survive the transit. Good precautions were taken.

The clear pots are usually sold as allowing the roots to photosynthesise (which being tree growing epiphytes they may try to do. ) I grow all mine with an oversize cachepot if only to stop watermarks etc. Also plants can become top heavy as they mature and these help with stability.

Welcome to Orchidboard

slipperfreak · #10 01-27-2010, 12:31 PM

Your flowers will be probably be alright for the time being, but don't be surprised if they drop off in a couple weeks' time, because it is very common for the lifespan of flowers to be shortened in the transition from greenhouse to home (especially when there is a middle man involved).

I love clear plastic pots for the reason that Hedge mentioned (photosynthesis), and also because it is a bit easier to tell when the plants need water, and you can see how well the roots are growing. There's certainly nothing wrong with slipping the pots in larger ceramic ones, as long as you don't allow water to collect in the bottom.