phal light question - Orchid Board

ayarb · #1 10-03-2011, 04:10 PM

Hey

I'm new to the forum and orchids. I've managed to keep my phal healthy for several months using this site and I like it a lot. I do have a quick question about the sunlight my orchid is getting. I have a very large, very bright south facing window. I let it get the morning light then move it about 6 feet back the rest of the day. The leaves are light green and look good from what I have read in this forum (no red/purple yet). However how that the seasons are changing, the direct light has reached my orchid. Should I move it back more, or it is going to be ok where it is?

tucker85 · #2 10-03-2011, 04:40 PM

It sounds like you're having some good success with your rescue orchids. Congratulations. I know what you mean about a south facing window. The angle of the sun changes so much from summer to winter. Phals enjoy morning sun but direct sun from maybe 11am - 4pm can burn the leaves. Once the leaves are burned you're stuck with those ugly burnt leaves for years. I think you should find a way to protect the plant during the middle of the day. Good luck.

camille1585 · #3 10-03-2011, 04:48 PM

On a day where you are home to check, you should leave it where it is now and feel the leaves regularily. If they get warm to the touch then it's still too much light and it risks sunburn. What you could do is hang a sheer curtain to filter the light that hits the plant. That way it still gets light, but no risk of burning. Or if you have other sun loving plants on the windowsill you can tuck the Phal behind them.

sucuz · #4 10-03-2011, 04:54 PM

Moving your plant more to the side might help. Some people here have devised screens of various types to help shade their 'chids. Shades may set in front of the plant, or window-mounted.

Simple test: During the hottest part of the day, feel the leaves. If they still feel cool to the touch, you should be ok. If the leaves feel warm to you, it needs to move to a cooler location.

ayarb · #5 10-03-2011, 05:03 PM

Thanks for the help everyone!!!!!!

rangiku · #6 10-03-2011, 06:44 PM

You can also use a fan to dissipate the heat from the leaves thus letting your plant get a bit more light. I've doing this in south- and west-facing windows with good effect.