New to caring for Orchids

[womels40]

I am new to Orchids in general and trying to do my homework. I am having a hard time with light requirements as I don't have a reference. I live in New Jersey and was wondering what the light intensity would be in a south facing window in my area. Would that be considered high light? I am interested in Cattleya, where should I put in reference to the south facing window? Thank you for the help.

[flowerpower]

For the northern hemisphere, south facing windows have the brightest light. The intensity will vary throughout the day, peaking at midday.

In Summer, the intensity of south facing windows can burn some orchids. Cattleya are moderate-bright light orchids and at this time of year will be able to stay in a southern window all day. In summer months, you might put them a bit further back from the window to avoid burns. If slowly acclimated to your light by staying there all year they might tolerate it (I have burned cattleya's in southern light in the UK - but they were new so I'm not sure how well acclimated they were to bright light).

The aim is for light green, almost yellowish, foliage on orchids. If they are a lush dark green then light is possibly insufficient (some orchids are naturally darker than others even within the same group).

I think your cattleya's will do fine in your southern window.

Northern windows have the least light and are only good for the lowest light orchids (even then, East/West is probably better where possible). East/west are somewhere in the middle and suitable for most orchids.

If you hold your hand above the orchid, about 1 foot away. If the shadow is cast over it but is blurry, that's a moderate light. If the shadow is sharp and defined, it's bright light. I found that system more helpful than trying to measure it with a meter. It will be constantly changing throughout the day and through the seasons. Hope this helps.

[DeaC]

Originally Posted by womels40

I am new to Orchids in general and trying to do my homework. I am having a hard time with light requirements as I don't have a reference. I live in New Jersey and was wondering what the light intensity would be in a south facing window in my area. Would that be considered high light? I am interested in Cattleya, where should I put in reference to the south facing window? Thank you for the help.

from NJ! What part of the state and would you like to try another genus as well? Happy growing!

[nicola]

Hi, welcome to the board
I also have some Cattleya and keep in front of a south window.
They receive a few hours of direct sunlight now that the angle of the sun is low and they are very happy.
In summer my window prevents direct sunlight but is still a very bright location.
As already said, carefully observe the color of the leaves, a light green is perfect, too much yellow can lead to burns.
Ciao Nicola

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

In the summer the sun might be so high that not much direct sun shines into your window, or leafy trees might block it. In the winter the sun is weak. Like others mentioned, it is best to go by the color of the leaves.

During times of the year when the sun into the window is intense, you can prevent burning by pointing a fan at the plant while the sun shines onto it.

[womels40]

Thank you for all the help. I will place it in front of the window and see how it does. The upper part the leaves are dark and lighten out as it gets down to the leaf.

Originally Posted by DeaC

from NJ! What part of the state and would you like to try another genus as well? Happy growing!

I'm from South Jersey, near Philadelphia. I will see how this one does and start looking at another genus.