Cattleya light requirements

[dennis4246]

Hello:
I am relatively new to orchids and am still learning. I have read a lot about the different species and the light requirements. This is my question. When they say bright light for Cats do they mean a south or west window with a light shear curtain over the window or? I live in FL and live right on the intercoastal and have a south facing window in the bedroom and huge quad sliding door facing south in the living room along with a west facing window in the dining room and one of the bedrooms. Where would everyone advise I put my cats as I hav 6 of them. I have 18 orhter species orchids that are vanda, oncidium and phals.

Thanks much
Dennis in Pensacola

[dgenovese1]

Hi Dennis,

I live in south Florida, so as far as catts are concerned, it's not too different. If you have a screened in lanai or pool cage, you can put them in full sun under the screen...the screen will block about 30% of the sun's rays, which is great for catts. You'll just have to make sure they don't get too much water if they are out in the open getting daily rains. If you don't have a screened in area, an east, west or lightly shaded south window will work well, but if your windows are heavily tinted like many windows in Florida are, it might not be enough light coming through for optimal growth on catts.

I hope this is helpful for you.

[JackiBlu]

Dennis!

I am across the state from dgenovese. I live on the SE coast of Florida and grow my orchids outside. My catts do the best on the east side of my home. I used to have them on the west side but growth was very slow unlike now. You're a tad cooler where you are so it may be different. I don't need to shade the morning sun until July when the sun seem to be angry and miserably hot when it wakes in the morning.. then I drop a shade to protect them.

Hope this helps