Is this Phal getting too much light?

[zunidude]

I have a little Phal that I got back in January I think, and it’s been hanging out with my African violets until I moved it to a brighter spot for the past 3-4 months. Anyway, the first leaf that has grown under my care was pretty upright compared to the leaves it already had. It also came out kinda dark with red spots that were apparent at the underside and base of the leaf. Otherwise the leaf looked gold to me, but I’m new to orchids lol. It was somewhat smaller that old growth but I figured it was repotting stress.

Anyway it’s been growing some roots lately and shed the two oldest leaves (small). It’s now putting out a new leaf, that is also reddish, but looks wide, and not what I would counsider in anyway etiolated. In other words, it looks like its getting enough light.

HOWEVER, according to my research, the light level where I have it is horribly insufficient (~50fc), but the plant looks ok to me, and seems to be getting strong sun features (red tinged, upright leaves). Intensity AT the window is ~2700fc). So, sorry for the rambling, but I would like to know if experienced growers could look at my plant and tell me if it looks like it’s getting enough light. Too much? Not enough?

The last pic show the Phal on top of my computer, this is where it lives. I guess it’s about 6ft from the window. It is eastern exposure. In Phoenix AZ.

[estación seca]

That's a lot more than 50 fc. The newer leaf shows wrinkles. The roots look good, so you haven't been watering enough. The difference in color is probably due to developing in higher light than previously.

[Subrosa]

No sign of sunburn, but the plant is definitely dehydrated.

[Ray]

A phalaenopsis will do much better in lower light levels than in higher. They are definite understorey plants that live in deep shade in nature.

I agree with the posts above - more water!

[zunidude]

Thank you all for the helpful replies and insight. I will definitely water more and am considering repotting it in a more retentive mix (and a plastic pot). Its my first (surviving) orchid LOL. I overwatered the first time and so to avoid that I put it in bark with just a little sphagnum. It dries out a little faster than i'd like. Thanks again!

---------- Post added at 10:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:05 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Ray

A phalaenopsis will do much better in lower light levels than in higher. They are definite understorey plants that live in deep shade in nature.

I agree with the posts above - more water!

Thank you Ray, I will prob do some rearranging soon and move my 3 phals to more subdued light, with my Calathea and Spath. Thanks for the help

[Ray]

Phals ought to do just fine next to African violets.

The "trick" to potting media is to have it absorb a lot of water, but have the mechanical structure be "open" enough that little-to-no water is held between the particles by surface tension. It's that interstitial water that blocks the air flow and suffocates the roots. "Overwatering" is about insufficient air, not excessive water.

[aliceinwl]

You might just need to change how you water. I’ve had problems with them in a bark mix if I let the water run through (I have to water every 2-3 days), if I give them at least a five minute soak, I can water every 6-7 days. The bark needs to soaking time to really take up the water.

[mobelle]

Giving the orchids a 5-10 minute soaking/watering time is ideal.

[zunidude]

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

You might just need to change how you water. I’ve had problems with them in a bark mix if I let the water run through (I have to water every 2-3 days), if I give them at least a five minute soak, I can water every 6-7 days. The bark needs to soaking time to really take up the water.

this is exactly what my issue was. I underestimated their thirst LOL. I will adjust my watering and see if the wrinkling goes away. I'd hate to repot if i can fix it just by watering a little more/differently. I learned (by actually DOING) the diff between bark watering and soaking just last week LOL. I soaked them before the weekend and I noticed that they were all still looking happy when I came to work Monday.

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