Lighting question
 

Hello,

I am a beginner as far as orchids are concerned. I'd like to ask about general proper lighting for orchids. I have read that a deep, rich green is NOT a desirable color but rather a light to medium grass green color with maybe some tones of yellow?

Please advise since now I'm thinking that I may not be giving my orchids enough light since they are all a fairly deep green color.

FYI I have a small collection mainly consisting of Phals and Cats.
Thank you in advance :)

It depends on the type of orchid you hae. I have some phals with dark green leaves that go darker with more light, I have some that stay lighter grass green. I think flower colour indicates what kind of colouring the foliage will have. If it has any kind of purple that will have darker leaf colouring than one with little purple pigment will be lighter.

As calypsoB mentioned, Phals for me seem to belie the statement about more light equals lighter green leaves. And they don't like a lot of direct hot sunlight, more indirect.

But for many orchids including Catts, the more sun, the lighter the leaves turn. and yes, in general you are aiming for a bright light green rather than a deep dark green. Bordering on yellow is fine but likely hitting the upper tolerance level. Some also develop red pigmentation on the leaves and pseudobulbs when they are at the upper tolerance level for sun. I try to provide enough light for those conditions. If the leaves are warm or hot to the touch it is likely too much and you want to introduce them to more light gradually so they can acclimatize.

Thanks for your replies!

The few that I have, I have them growing outside now under a patio umbrella so they are shaded all day. Looking at them again, I'm thinking that perhaps they are getting enough light since the pbulbs on my Cats are reddish. Also looking at them again, the leaves are not really deep green but a rather mid grass green.

I just worried a bit since I wanted to make sure I provided the correct lighting so that they can eventually bloom. Currently my Phals are putting out new leaves and Cats have new growth spikes.

It sounds like things are good. this is the time of year that most Phals grow new leaves and roots and many Catts do as well. In the fall, try and give the Phals 4 weeks (approx) of cooler weather, but nothing below 50F and this chilling usually induces them to spike. Soon after it may grow a bloom spike.

Northern New Jersey under an umbrela? Perfect. Like most things in life and in the world of orchids, light green vs dark green is only a very general statement. I have catts that are light yellowish gren and others that are very dark green. And these are for the most part in very bright sunlight. Same with phals. Some get a bright green and some stay dark green. But I always give them as much sun as they will tolerate. When the leaf feels warm to the touch, then it probably is getting enough light. You can increase the light level above this if you give it enough air movement like a good breeze from a fan.

Thanks so much again guys. Your replies are very helpful :)