How much light to give after repotting????

[Ro'sOrcs]

Thanks Ray!

I will try the heating mat. Would they have them at pet stores you think?

I've been reading about the proper light to give my plants and I keep getting conflicting information about how to tell whether or not my cattleyas are receiving enough light. The leaves are a dark green (the tallest ones), but the small leaves (those farthest away from the light) are a light (almost lime) color green. I read that darker leaves mean the plant isn't receiving enough light. If that's true, why are the leaves farthest away from the light lighter in color? Do you have any tips as to how I can tell if my plants are getting enough light? (I have cattleyas and phals.)

Oh, and I'm growing under 2 two-foot florescent bulbs (one warm and one cool). I'm told this light isn't sufficient and that I need at least 4 4-foot lights to do the trick? Any advice about this?

Thanks for your help!!!!!

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by Ro'sOrcs

Thanks Ray!

I will try the heating mat. Would they have them at pet stores you think?

I've been wondering the same thing.
They do make small mat heaters for reptile tanks, as well as small ones for aquariums that are meant to only raise the ambient temp several degrees.
Most of the ones I've seen are pretty small and would only work for one plant at a time.
I have yet to be able to find under-pot mats at stores like Home Depot and such, so hopefully someone will chime in with a few vendors. :/

ETA: Forgot that they also make small heating pads to put in dog and cat beds- that's what I'm currently using under some phals that I've bagged. Stole it from my elderly dachshund. :X