3 Novice Questions About New Phalaenopsis

[estación seca]

Well, when you're learning, it's better to be careful with your plants. When you have more experience you'll have a better feel for how they are doing. Smaller burns on the leaves aren't fatal, but burns of the crown, or stem near the roots, of a phal can be fatal. And phal leaves last a long time, so there'll be always something there to remind you.

[HiOrcDen]

I don't want to scar my orchids... So if you err towards low light levels for awhile, I gather it's not as dangerous as quickly as burning?

[estación seca]

They won't be harmed by low light levels; they just won't bloom as well. Or at all.

[HiOrcDen]

Oh I see. That's good to know. Think I'll push things a little; I want big striking blooms! Thanks again so much

[bil]

Most people burn a phal sooner or later. The Leaf of Shame eventually grows out and then you can pretend it never happened.

[mebegreen]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I push light levels on almost all plants I grow, not just orchids. I learned this growing cactus and succulents. Most plants do better at the higher end of their light tolerance. High light warms and cooks leaves, so good to stiff air circulation becomes more important as light exposure increases for orchids.

A plant grown quite shady will adapt to more light, but it can take a while. In the mean time you must be careful not to burn it. Move it slowly. The common snake plant Sansevieria trifasciata cultivars will mostly adapt to growing in black plastic pots on a concrete patio in full Arizona summer sun all day, but it takes a while to get them to this point.

Phone light meter apps are hit or miss. It all depends on the charge capture device in your phone's camera. They are mostly not made to meter light, but to take snapshots. I looked at using my phone to meter light some months ago, and decided buying a separate light meter would be a much better solution. They aren't that expensive.

I can relate to your explanation of how you determine a plants light needs. I also have had cacti and Sansevieria since I was a teenager living at home. They appear to thrive in the environment you place them in. I do not have the hot Arizona summers, but my back deck where I place all my cactus, succulents, Sanservieria during the summer with a wide range of sun exposure, al do well. Then I bring them inside and they still do well. I move them based upon who is blooming for the cacti. My Sanservaria always throw out a flower or two each season, and it's in the sun. I keep the cacti somewhat shaded.

Thank you for reassuring me that some of orchid care is instinct. To date, reading the web and instincts have sufficed. But, now I am turning to the experts.

[HiOrcDen]

Originally Posted by camille1585

As to light, which area do you live in? I don't have a light meter, and have just learned from experience which orchids like what spot.
Phals like brighter light that is usually assumed. For most people that means bright, indirect light, either near a window but no direct sun, or behind some sheer curtains. At my northernly latitude, they do fine with several hours of direct sun every day. (and grow/bloom better than in indirect light)

Thanks for this. I live in zone 10b. I have a nook with west and south facing Windows. I'd like to keep my phals close to the window where they'll receive more sun. When you say to use a sheer curtain, just how sheer should it be? Should it be sheer to the point of being pretty transparent, or just translucent?

---------- Post added at 07:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:34 PM ----------

If anyone would care to answer...

[HiOrcDen]

Anyone?..

(Bumping is ok right?)

[AnonYMouse]

I would NOT place a Phal less than 18 inches from a south or west window when sunny. It might be okay on overcast days.

Sheer, translucent, even overcast are relative terms. It's really hard for anyone not familiar with your grow space to say.

Most Phals want light intensity of 800-1500 foot candles (fc). You might be able to measure light intensity with a camera and there are smart phone apps. Basic light meters are sufficient for natural light and can be found fairly inexpensively.

[mexicowpants]

Originally Posted by Tschimm

Welcome !
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