Question regarding light meter reading (sun vs. flourescent)

[Paul Mc]

I'm trying to understand why when I have a light meter under a CFL 45W light with the switch to sun the needle is in the same position as it is when I switch it to the Flourscent setting. I understand that the calculations are different for my meter (sun = # x 1000, flourscent = # x 10). For example, the sun reading might say 2500 but the Flourescent reading would be 250. My confusion is based upon the amount of light I'm seeing and why the two readings are so vastly different.

I'm attempting to determine where to place my new mini orchids in my terrarium and am confused by what I'm reading and the amount of light I'm visually seeing.