Light candle preference

[Candice]

I have been trying to see what works with phals for number of light candles.....I bought this light intensity meter, which measures either the sun, high intensity, or fluorescent light. It goes up to 5000 footcandles.

Little background:
Phals are potted in bark/charcoal mix in clear plastic containers. Grown outside but underneath a nonclosed in porch, if that makes sense. They are a little too dark green, compared to some I have seen posted here at the OB. They don't seem to be putting out spikes, which now is the time. They have all grown and are growing leaves AND new root growth. I fertilize every watering, except last two, because I thought maybe too much nitrogen to flower?!?
I fertilize with Orthos growth, and bloom buster every fourth watering. I live in Enterprise AL where it is always humid.

I always read about phals being no more than 1000 footcandles, but when mine are outside in the natural light at around 800 footcandles, they start to get sun spots.

Anyone have any suggestions?

I know dennis said in a previous thread he likes to use higher light than most. And if you see this dennis, could you also reply on your light source?

Thanks for any responses!

Candice