shade for phals

[Tindomul]

Thanks Ray, you answered my question perfectly. So I assume now that there are shade tolerant Phals and shade loving Phals.
And I think it would be best stear clear from shade %'s and keep it to actual foot candles, as 1,200 fc's here are the same as 1,200 fc's anywhere else.

[smartie2000]

Excellent info ray.

Growing on the windowsill I find I get the best shaped blooms in the summer and less blooms in the winter,

[Shadow]

Originally Posted by smartie2000

Excellent info ray.

Growing on the windowsill I find I get the best shaped blooms in the summer and less blooms in the winter,

Me too, despite the supplemental lighting I use in winter. Thanks for the info, Ray!

[Ray]

I'd bet the summer/winter differences are caused by more than just light. Temperatures and humidity (among other things) can affect blooming, too.

[Ross]

Actually mine set spikes better in late winter/early spring after the cooler nights of winter. My window box gets down to about 62F at night during winter. There is naturally a bit more bright light there as well. In summer I have been moving them outside to full shade and they grow very well but don't bloom as well. I think all of this matches what is being said above.

[roger nutt]

thanks guys, 85% shade would be about right in uk.

[smartie2000]

Originally Posted by Shadow

Me too, despite the supplemental lighting I use in winter. Thanks for the info, Ray!

I haven't supplimented any of the phals my mom grows...I don't she likes the idea that I have started using lights to for my collection to being with.
She will see that I will have to suppliment them next year so that the windows have blooms for Christmas! I hate it when the guests come over only once a year and see nothing is blooming, reflexed petals, and poor displays on the cluttered windowsills. I keep hoping the initated spikes develop on time but they stall in the winter... I'm tired of it mainly because they misjudge and assume my mom or I suck at growing plants. Then they bring it up behind my back, even though they grow either don't grow or grow orchids ignorantly to begin with. My aunt brought it up during a large gathering in front of me to purposely put me down, yet she asks for growing advice from me, she is so two faced

[dave b]

Originally Posted by Helen

Tin, I'm interested in knowing if more light helps to produce more flowers on a phal. So pls keep us posted. Do all of you feel that a phal needs MORE humidity than other types? I heard 60 - 70% humidity is req'd for phals.
thanks

Phals prefer higher humidity, but all orchids would benefit from 60-70%. Phals come from areas that are warm, receive lots of rain, and has high humidity (70-100%). I dont have a greenhouse, and grow most stuff outside during the summer. During the wet spells, the phals really grow well.

Most cringe at this, but i let mine get rained on often. Ill sometimes pour the water out of the crown if its pooled up and i have time. Every book you'll read, and most growers dont recommend this, as it could lead to crown rot. Some of mine are starting to get that leaning out of the pot angle, so it helps the water drain a bit.

[Shadow]

Fren, may be you should buy some nice winter-blooming species. So, you will be sure when they bloom. Of course, the supplemental lighting in winter helps. But don't try to save money on lighting appliances. I tried to save and ended up with non-sufficient lighting. Now I have to change everything.

[Helen]

Most cringe at this, but i let mine get rained on often. Ill sometimes pour the water out of the Crown if its pooled up and i have time. Every book you'll read, and most growers dont recommend this, as it could lead to Crown rot. Some of mine are starting to get that leaning out of the pot angle, so it helps the water drain a bit.

Dave, at our last Orchid Society meeting an Orchid Judge stated that you should always pot your phal at an angle, because that's how they like to grow in nature...for exactly the reason you stated, so that the water drains off them more quickly and away from the crown...there ya go!