Need Grow Light Guidance for Cattleyas to Bloom

[realoldbeachbum]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Yes, if they're only getting six hours a day, not nearly enough hours. I think with those lights you'll do just fine if you up the hours. I grow six months out of the year under cheap shop lights, and mine bloom.

I understand hot. And you're right, if they aren't outside and haven't been, now is not the right time to introduce them to summer. Mine are doing just fine at 100F or so, BUT they've been outside since temps were in high fifties, low sixties. And you don't have issues with grasshoppers eating leaves as I do, so there's an added bonus.

I know not much about foot candles vs lux vs lighting in general. I just stick them under my shop lights and go forth, so not much advice I can give there. I do have a cheapie light meter that's fairly accurate. If you're interested, just look up on Amazon or I'll find the name of mine in a day or so. (I'm not at home).

Thanks WW. Next year, I might put them outside, but will need to come up with some type of shade. I HAVE NO SHADE IN THIS BLAZING AL SUN! But, for this year, I will increase the light inside. Just now I bumped it up from 6 hours to 10 hours, and within a few weeks will bump it on up to 14-16 hours. (I have the lights on KASA timers and can change on my cell phone! Technology at its finest.)

I will invest in a light meter just for good measure.

I am incredibly envious of you seasoned orchid growers that can just 'stick them under some shop lights and go forth'. I became interested in orchids only 3 years ago, and now have 58. I am definitely in over my head; but I LOVE IT!!! Really appreciate your advice.