Is a north facing window good for phals?

[Brownthumb10]

I am desperately trying to not kill my newly acquired phals (2 minis and a full sized). I have read through the phal abuse sticky several times. But I keep reading conflicting advise about which window is best. I currently have them in a north facing window that gets filtered light. Is this ok? With my house layout, this spot logistically works well. Thanks!

[Optimist]

You could always use a small grow light if you do not think you are getting enough light. I think for phals it is 500 to 1500 fc, and towards the upper end is better. Getting this checked on a camera or light meter is the best bet. A meter can cost as low as 11 or 12 dollars and is a good investment if you have various types of orchids. So don't fret. Remember too that the angle of the light will change due to the curvature of earth, seasons, and whether trees or eves overhang the window.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It's not about the window. Don't get caught up in that. The whole window thing is just a quick and easy general reference/guideline that isn't too technical and that everybody gets. However, the intensity of the light will be different for everybody for each window, and hence that's why it sounds like "conflicting advice".

Phals generally do well in bright shade.

If you feel that getting the lighting down is going to be confusing for you, I recommend getting a light meter.

If you decide on getting a light meter, get one that measures in lux, lumens, & foot-candles.

Try to shoot for a range of about 900 - 1,500 footcandles.

[Dante1709]

It really depends on the individual window. Some north facing windows get enough light, others don't. Keep it as close as the window as you can and if you notice a shortage of light, then get some supplemental lighting.

The leaves should be green and if the plant is healthy, it should bloom for you someday. If this doesn't happen, then move it to a brighter location, or maybe switch windows throughout the day.

If you're lucky and have a light meter, by all means, use that. 1000-1500 footcandles is recommended by the AOS. Don't use those phone apps ; they aren't very accurate.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yeah, the phone apps are just outright confusing to use and aren't going to give you the best results.

Btw, I'd probably recommend a lower range of about 500 - 1,200 for certain Phals. A couple examples are Phal appendiculata and Phal lowii, (fyi, these 2 species are not the easiest Phals to grow, just because I mention them doesn't mean that someone who has trouble with Phals should go out and get them without first thinking things through - just a heads up).

[james mickelso]

Rule of thumb. If your hand casts a very diffuse shadow when held 1 foot above the surface on which the phal will sit, that is enough light. Phals will grow and bloom in fairly low light levels but they prefer stronger light levels. 1000 ft candles is pretty low where 1500 is noticeably brighter. But there is a lot more to light than just levels. But for your situation, the shadow from your hand 1 foot above the surface on which your phal grows should be diffuse. It also makes a difference where you live. Alabama is much different than Alberta. I have always wanted folks coming here to give at least the city and state where they live. It makes a huge difference in my answers to their problems. In summer, Chicago has a very long day while in Alabama the day is pretty much the same in winter/summer.

[NYCorchidman]

As Dante points out, it depends on the window.

You have to first figure out if your window is true north or not by using compass.
For example, most north facing windows in Manhattan here are actually northeast.

Second, how big is your window? larger the better.
If you have a small balcony, all the better!

Then, you can tell for sure by seeing the results.

My older apartment has very large northeast window that gets one to two hours of morning sun and the bright but shady all throughout the day.
My phals did bloom but like 2-3 max.
So the light was enough for the phal to flower, but nowhere near "good".

I now have south exposure.
My phals bear over 10 flowers per spike.

That is the power of light! lol

[WhiteRabbit]

It's true, it probably "depends" on the specific window - and I imagine it's possible that one's latitude may make a difference ...

That said, I have grown and bloomed Phals in my (true) north facing window