Phalaenopsis in the office: adequate light question
 

I acquired a phalaenopsis orchid, the standard 'ice cube' kind from a co-worker a few months ago. I had been next to the windows in an office/cubical setting and the orchid has been healthy and growing a new spike and leaves there. I have recently been moved to the inside section of the room where there is no light from the windows but the florescent lights are on 24/7. Would this be sufficient light for the phalaenopsis? I could take it home but I would love to enjoy it at work.

Thanks

Probably not for growing. You can leave it there while it is in flower.


Andrew L.A.

Mine in the office is next to the window but the blinds are closed except for a 7 hours 3-4 days a week, even then there is only a couple of hours when there is actually much light coming through the window.

They do fine with that, but I do take them home and replace with another when not in flower, so it's only a few months for each one.

I would have thought they would like more light that only office lights, however you might be able to try and if it seems to start struggling take it home.

What are the signs of low light struggles for Phalaenopsis?

The leaves will possibly darken, but a generally struggling plant might be due to light levels. I find I struggle slightly more with some of mine in winter than in summer, and I think lack of light is a likely cause, as those further in the house are most prone to it.

Buy yourself a cheap desk lamp and stick a CFL grow light in it. Problem solved. ;)

Also limp leaves and droopy plant, and more importantly no flowers. Also temperature at the office tends to stay constant. All orchids need a temperature drop in order to induce flowering.


Andrew L.A.

Does 24/7 lighting cause any problem? It seems like that could affect the photosynthesis/growth rhythms.

So put the grow light on a cheap on/off timer. I keep mine on from 7 am to 11 pm, in addition to the light that comes in through the window.

I have successfully had several phals flower at work as well as a gongora. I am in a cube about 15 ft from the east window so if there are no clouds (big if in Ohio) the top of my cube gets 30 minutes of sun tops. Other than that the plants rely on the building lights and at winter the lights at my desk. I am lucky the building has day/night heating schedules so the temp does change. Orchids at work is the way to go.