Question regarding Sedirea japonica care

[Paul Mc]

I just got one as a travelling companion to the member project plant. I have been doing some reading online and there seems to be some debate about appropriate care.

My understanding is that the Baker's average daytime max temps were upper 80's to lower 90's and that they could go as low as lower 50's. However, some people seemed to warn against leaving them outside if the temperatures were to exceed the lower 90's for longer than like a day or so.

Likewise, there is some debate about how low you need to keep them during the winter rest months so they don't continue to grow and tucker themselves to death. Some are saying 30's to 40's while others seem to be stating no less than the 50's.

Likewise, the debate seems to range on light from slightly more than phal (1500-2000 footcandles) all the way up to cattelleya strength! So who is right on this? What is the optimum footcandle range for growing these?

I would be very appreciative to all who add their two cents worth to this!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Highest temperature range that I'm aware of: approx 100 F

Lowest temperature range that I'm aware of: approx 36 F

I have never grown it in Cattleya light. I've grown it in moderate indirect bright light.

[Paul Mc]

Thank you King! Could you give me an estimate of footcandles for what you are calling moderate indirect bright light?

At the moment (let me check it's reading - love this little device, lol...)...

...it's about 2000 footcandles and it is 7pm here so the sun is not shining in the windows at all. I would guess that it probably gets up to 2500 in mid-day but I will have to test that this coming Saturday when I am home to verify.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I don't have a meter, so let's see if I can give you something to measure against...

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I'd say between the footcandle measurements recommended for Phals and Cattleyas. Around 2,000 - 2,500 footcandles.

[quiltergal]

I'm growing mine alongside my species Phals. It gets around 2000 fc of light. I grow it in intermediate temps. It gets some cool down in the winter as we turn the heat off at night, so it's in the mid to low 60's. It took it awhile to mature. Mine has been pretty slow growing. This is it's second year blooming for me and threw double spikes. The scent is amazing.

[PleuroPal]

I grow mine mounted outdoors year-round in dappled shade from oak trees. It can handle the occasional light frost in the winter and days up near 100 in the summer.
Since I finally found this spot for it a couple of years ago, it's been really happy. It has a really healthy root system and it's throwing out spikes right now.