What's a good amount of light for phals?

[KatyaB]

Its been about a month now since I've decided to give my orchids more light. During the day they sit on a south facing window sill. Oncidiums are happy and growing. Phals have also started producing more leaves, with one issue: some of the top leaves are turning light green and getting funny spots on them. What is it? Should phals get less light? I've heard such differing advice before...

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by KatyaB

Its been about a month now since I've decided to give my orchids more light. During the day they sit on a south facing window sill. Oncidiums are happy and growing. Phals have also started producing more leaves, with one issue: some of the top leaves are turning light green and getting funny spots on them. What is it? Should phals get less light? I've heard such differing advice before...

Phal leaves will burn quite easily in direct sun. Now that the position of the sun in the sky has changed yours might be getting to much sun.
Phals like an Eastern exposure with only the cool morning sun.
Hope this helps some.
AL

[RosieC]

It does sound like your Phals are burning and getting too much light.

As Al said Phals don't generally like direct light. All mine (except bellina which like higher light) are in an easten window and seem quite happy.

[Orchid126]

Feel the leaves. If they are warm, pull the plant back a few inches. Inches, mind you, not feet. Light drops dramatically for every few inches away from the source. Keep doing this until the plant is getting as much light as possible without burning.

[trdyl]

As Al and Rosie have said eastern windows are best for most Phals.

[orchidsamore]

All orchids will get lighter green as the plant needs less chlorophyll to produce food in high light.

You are still a long way from burn but watch it.

Oncidium like 2000-2500 foot candles of light and Phals need only 1000-1500.

[sii]

I wonder if the growing zone that we live in makes a difference. In my case, I think I'm in zone 5 and from what 'microscopic' progress I see, phals seem to like my southern window.

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by sii

I wonder if the growing zone that we live in makes a difference. In my case, I think I'm in zone 5 and from what 'microscopic' progress I see, phals seem to like my southern window.

Not quite sure by what you mean by "microscopic" progress. If your phals aren't growing as fast as you think they should be it could be a question of to much light..............

AL

[Brotherly Monkey]

I actually let my phals get direct morning light in a South facing window. Admittedly, the one I've had the longest has only been in my care for about a year, but no issues yet

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by Brotherly Monkey

I actually let my phals get direct morning light in a South facing window. Admittedly, the one I've had the longest has only been in my care for about a year, but no issues yet

I have a few in a South West window that do fine. It's the "morning sun" that is the difference. Also the distance the plant is from the window makes a big difference.
AL