Phal. too close to light?
 

(Hopefully the photo attached properly...)

Hey all! New here, litterally just joined to ask this question.

The pictured Phalaenopsis is approximately 18 inches tall, and the flowering heads are only about 5 or 6 inches away from the light source. The leaves, however, is about 24 inches away from the light source.

My question is, will this harm my Phal? The flowers, or the foliage? The last time I kept orchids of any kind, I lived in a warmer climate than I do now and kept them on my windowsill year round. Here...well, the window gets frosty most of the evening, so I need to keep it under a grow light. I have a humidifier set up in this corner of my apartment as well, so I'm not too concerned about humidity. Just wanna make sure I'm not going to scorch my new plant. :)

Also, anybody have cats? Do they try to eat your orchids, and how do you stop them?

Thanks in advance for any help, and I hope y'all have a fantastic weekend!

That is not too close. Ideally, it should be under the light but, due to the spikes I see why it's offset.

Yes, many of us have cats. The mention of which will set off a flurry of cat vs dog posts. I use bitter apple, hot pepper, or Amber Listerine to keep cats at bay. However, I seldom have trouble and never, ever with thick leaved phals.

It's hard to tell from the photo what sort of light lever the plant is getting. The flower distance from the light isn't really that important though the leaf distance can be. At 24 inches from the light source, if those are T5 lamps, the plant itself is probably not close enough.

Cats aren't likely to each orchids, though they may take a few test chews. If they DO bother them, your first, best option is a large, hungry dog.

It's two kinda knock-off T-5's. I say that because for twenty bucks a pop, I got "large cool flourescent plant lights" on eBay and the description actually matched the product.

Anyway, before I broke the light meter; approximately eight inches directly under the lights it read about 1200 foot-candles, and I thought phals don't like that much direct light. And yeah, those spikes are pretty tall... I only kept a couple Phal. equestris and an unknown Dendrochilum before. I'll probably move it closer once the spike fades, but as long as it won't harm the flowers I guess it can stay there. :)

Also, she's a single cat, and the hubby would frown upon me getting a dog. Much to my personal sadness. :'(

---------- Post added at 06:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:41 PM ----------

Sour apple...I forgot that cats hate that smell/taste. Thanks for reminding me!

With my larger Phals, when they spike I direct the spike around the light fixture and allow them to grow above it. However, I've had numerous flowers stay very happy just a few inches from the light bulbs. 1200 foot candles of light shouldn't hurt a Phal, especially a big, healthy one like yours.

I doubt your cat will harm your plants, but your husband needs work. Dogs are the truth.

I totally agree with you on the dogs- the bigger the better! But the hubby and I live in an apartment space above my dad's garage; If I could for a dog up here, I would. I'm just happy he tolerates my plant addiction for now.

Alright, I'll move the Phal up so the leaves are about eight inches away from the light source, but I just hope the heat from the lamps won't burn the flower stalks. Just touching the metal around the bulbs is enough to scald me, but I do have super sensitive skin.

Thanks again for the advice! I greatly appreciate it. :)

Move it to more like a foot away. I agree 8 inches may be too close.

An above-garage apartment? Yeah, a big dog there could be an issue. My smallest is about 65 pounds, the next is about 75, and the largest (my avatar pic) is 90 - all are fit and trim. About 95% of the space in my house is theirs, and I get the rest.

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I agree with jdofferdahl... I live with three big dogs and a husband. The dogs rule nine-tenths of the house, and occasionally allow us to sit with them on the sofa, and lie down with them on their (our) bed.

Oh, and right, the orchid part also. :D

I identify well with the bed issue! My avatar, Sully the Doggie Lama, for years slept on my bed. A year ago his knees blew out. I had surgery on one knee, and bought him an orthopedic bed. That left me an entire king sized bed to spread out on. About two weeks ago I went to my room late at night to find he'd jumped up on the bed! Each night since he's joined me! While I'm back to maybe a body-width of bed space I'm delighted to have him there!