Inconsistent information on the internet. Where do you trust?

[rbarata]

I didn’t want to blast any site. But what i saw was one site said 10,000-20,000 lumens and the other said 1,500-3,500.....

Is it expressed in different units? Lumen versus footcandle?

[SaraJean]

Originally Posted by rbarata

Is it expressed in different units? Lumen versus footcandle?

That sounds about right.

DirtyCoconuts: sometimes there is a wide range of ideal light given because the sites are trying to accommodate for different locations and environments. My sun is extremely intense, scorching temps, with long day length so I am usually able to get away with growing an orchid less bright than someone who lives very far north. The person that lives way up there might need only slight shading, I would scorch mine to bits if I did that. The Den. bracteosum can handle a good bit of light though.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Originally Posted by rbarata

Is it expressed in different units? Lumen versus footcandle?

I’d be pretty embarrassed if it were that simple lol

They both list lux. I suspect it might be a typo now that I look again but I do appreciate that whole light is light according to a light meter, it has more to do with it than just that and perhaps they are trying to be helpful by acclimating the information to their area and intended audience.
Good factors to consider

[Leafmite]

If you do not already belong to an orchid society, these groups are usually a great way to get good information for your particular climate. Typically, there will be someone else in the society growing their orchids in the same manner that you wish to do so (Under lights, in a greenhouse, or in the window).
I love being a member of an orchid society. Everyone in my group understands the unique challenges of growing in Ohio.

Another way to learn what compensations to make for an orchid in your own environment is to learn as much as you can about what is present in the native environment of your particular type of orchid and how the orchid grows in this environment (this can be a little tricky with hybrids). Wind, light, placement, humidity, rainfall, dew, seasonal/day/night temperatures, etc. will all help to give you an idea of ways to help your orchid thrive in your own conditions.

I live here in Ohio so growing orchids here is very different from growing orchids in Hawaii, California or Florida. Any advice people from those areas give on growing an orchid is probably not going to work for me. That is why it is important to know from where the person is who is giving advice. It also helps to know if they are growing in a greenhouse, under lights, or in a window. Home temps, humidity, and air-flow are important considerations, too.

Good luck!

---------- Post added at 09:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:31 PM ----------

PS.
To get better advice, it helps to indicate your location or at least some idea of the climate in which you grow.

[Shadowmagic]

First of all I seem to have received anoinfraction ***************

so whatever next I say will be irrelvevant tbh, this site seriously.

I mean I was going to say the main issue seems to be people coming up with all kinds of reasons why people give out bad advice.

People don't tend to give out bad advice and in this case it was just a matter of footcandles vs lumens.

But lets act like people all tend to give out bad advice, critisize each other all day long, insult each other and of course talk about orchids

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Shadowmagic

I mean I was going to say the main issue seems to be people coming up with all kinds of reasons why people give out bad advice.

People don't tend to give out bad advice and in this case it was just a matter of footcandles vs lumens

You could have just as easily said that while remaining respectful and without resorting to bad language.

I don't know what upset you in this thread, but profanity was not called for and I have deleted that part of your post, in line with forum rules.


And now back to the topic.

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

I didn’t want to blast any site. But what i saw was one site said 10,000-20,000 lumens and the other said 1,500-3,500.....
That’s like a phal. vs a catt. and it just made me wonder where you all go for your first initial info on new orchids

I love to observe and I consider 75% of my plants to be “experiments” so I am always trying to learn from them and what they are experiencing in my environment

Cheers all. Thanks

Are you certain you're comparing apples to apples? Is it possible you're using "lumens" and "foot candles" interchangeably? Lumens are normally used in reference to how much light a given bulb puts out. Foot candles are more commonly used as a measure of brightness I reference to the needs of plants.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Originally Posted by Shadowmagic

People don't tend to give out bad advice and in this case it was just a matter of footcandles vs lumens.

If it was, it was a typo bc both site said Lux

I was being kind by excusing it as a typo. It was clearly inconsistent information regardless of intent

[SouthPark]

I'd be interested to see which site it is - that wrote 1,500 to 3,500 'lux' for Dendrobium bracteosum. I did a quick 'google' and there appears to be no site that suggests 1,500 to 3,500 lux for bracteosum.

[Paul]

Even when getting growing info here or from a society member ... it is still wise to take that advice with a grain or two of salt.

As has already been mentioned, growing conditions can vary considerably from one individual to the next. As such, their experiences (and therefor their advice) can also vary markedly.

Then, too, as has also been mentioned, some orchids will have a wide range of conditions they can handle.