Catasetum light levels - Orchid Board

Purpoh · #1 08-01-2016, 05:33 PM

Hello! I have read a few places that catasetums are highly adaptable and can bloom in lower light levels. How true is this and how low is "low light?" I have Catasetum penang, Cycnodes wine delight and Cycnoches chlorochilon. Could these bloom at 1,250 foot candles? 1,500 or 2,000? I heard most people give 3,000 foot candles or more.

Subrosa · #2 08-01-2016, 05:42 PM

I don't know, but it really isn't an issue for me. When it comes to caring for Catasetum, once they'reactively growing I just figure "more". More light, more water, and more fertilizer. As soon as temps are reliably above 60F at night they're outside, and after a period of acclimation they're placed where they get full sun as long as possible. Can you put yours outside?

Purpoh · #3 08-01-2016, 05:53 PM

I can! But full sun as long as possible? How many hours??

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Subrosa · #4 08-01-2016, 06:26 PM

Mine get it from just after sunrise until about 3 pm. If yours are currently inside you'll want to start them in a place where they catch a bit of morning or afternoon sun first, and then after about 2 weeks start moving them where they'll catch more direct sun. Noon time sun would cook a plant that was grown indoors and put out directly into it.

AvantGardner · #5 08-01-2016, 06:39 PM

It depends on many factors... Like Subrosa said outdoor growing is very beneficial and optimal. But I've grown them indoors under lights with very good results. Where are you currently growing?

jcec1 · #6 08-01-2016, 06:40 PM

I grew a Cycnoches last year on a table near a small North facing window, no idea of how many foot candles, in cloudy Scotland, it still bloomed successfully (male flowers which I've read may be encouraged by lower light levels), so yes it did well in low light. This year it's by a South facing window and is a much bigger plant, it is just developing a spike now so will be interesting to see if the flowers change sex.

Purpoh · #7 08-01-2016, 07:11 PM

Well I figured it couldn't grow in a north window but I had my fingers crossed. It's more bright than a normal north window. Right now they are outside growing under an umbrella.

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isurus79 · #8 08-02-2016, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purpoh

Well I figured it couldn't grow in a north window but I had my fingers crossed. It's more bright than a normal north window. Right now they are outside growing under an umbrella.

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Can you hang it in a tree? The dappled shade should work until it can get put into full sun.

Purpoh · #9 08-02-2016, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isurus79

Can you hang it in a tree? The dappled shade should work until it can get put into full sun.

I can't but I think I'll try slowly moving it out from under the umbrella. Even if it doesnt get full sun, from what you guys are telling me, it can bloom in lower than full sun light anyway. Thanks for the help!