Does this look like enough light for phalaenopsis? (pic)

[cyberbrat]

Hello,

I just bought this Phalaenopsis on Saturady and put it next to a north facing window that has a 'bamboo' shade. The room it is in also has an east facing window that I draw the blinds up on to let indirect light in. I live in albuquerque NM and the heat and light is fierce! This is my first orchid in three years...I sadly lost my last ones, also Phalaenopsis. I am worried since they are supposed to be 'easy' to grow.

Can anyone tell me if this north window is ok with the shade down? Here is a pic...



Thanks!

C_Brat

[Buds!]

Hi C_Brat,
Welcome to the OB!

I use a light meter to measure the light levels for all my orchids.

Phalaenopsis can flower(?) with low level light 300-500 fc, however 1000- 1500 fc is the preferred level (medium light- see below).

If you don't have a light meter, you can roughly estimate by using the shadows casted by your hand:

* A sharp edge to your shadow = High Light
* A soft edge shadow = medium to low light
* No shadow at all = the light is insufficient for your plant to flower.

I hope that helps!

[cyberbrat]

Hi Buds! Thanks for the welcome and advice! What brand/model of light meter do you use? That is a great idea, I tried the hand shadow trick but did not feel confident that I was doing it right. A light meter sounds like the way to go...

C_Brat

[katfemme89]

I don't know if it's just my computer of what, but that picture isn't working... try posting it again?

Also, the shadow trick will only work if there is one source of light...if there are two windows both letting in diffused light, then the light is going to be coming in from different directions and isn't going to make a distinct shadow no matter how bright it is really. At least, that's my experience.

If it's bright enough in the room that you don't have to turn on a light to read, then you should be alright. I didn't get enough light in my room, so I just bought some cheap flourescent lights at lowes and created my own setup.

[cyberbrat]

Hi katfemme89,

I posted the pic below...hopefully you will be able to see it. Thanks for the tip regarding the two sources of light...I was really confused why the shadow trick was not working...what you say makes perfect sense. I can easily read in the room due to the natural light. Do you have pics of your Lowe's setups??? I would like to see if so!

Thanks!

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z...RAT/Orchid.jpg

[Buds!]

Originally Posted by cyberbrat

Hi Buds! Thanks for the welcome and advice! What brand/model of light meter do you use? That is a great idea, I tried the hand shadow trick but did not feel confident that I was doing it right. A light meter sounds like the way to go...

C_Brat

Hi C_Brat,
Sorry, can't help you with the light meter, I am in Oz!
I am sure other US members can point you in the right direction.

[Buds!]

or shed some light on the topic...hhahahahahhah!

[cyberbrat]

Clever!

I think the light meter is a great idea. Maybe other forum members will suggest one they use. I can search the inernet too.

Thanks again!

[jkofferdahl]

If you have an older film camera with a built-in light meter you can measure it. Set the camera to ASA 10 at 1/100 of a second shutter speed:

f 3.5 = 400 fc
f 4.0 = 500 fc
f 4.5 = 650 fc
f 7.0 = 1600 fc
f 8.0 = 2000fc
f 9.0 = 2400 fc

Your digital camera will often also tell you the shutter speed and f-stop equivalent when you shoot; mine does, and it's pretty useful.

Just guessing from your picture I'd say the light is on the dim side. A north-facing window is going to be the dimmest in your house.

[Bird Song Farm]

Hi,
From my experience with phals......I have over 80 of them, your East facing window would be better.
Since the sun is harsh in your area, you might put it on a stand about 18" away from the window or use a shear curtain. You can tell if it is happy in a couple of weeks by the color of the leaves. They usually should be a lime green color.........this isn't always true, it sometimes depends on the particular hybrid......
Hope this is of some help.
AL

[EDIT] Wanted to add that your phal is beautiful, it looks like the leaves are a darker green than most and that is fine. By any chance did it come with a label? Or......if it is in a clear plastic pot sometimes the name is printed on it.