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how low of light can phals thrive indoors

14 years ago

I've got 12 in pot holders near my east window but inside it's fairly dark and the window is under oak trees so doesn't get a whole lot of light either. I have my lights on when I'm in the room (not a whole lot.) what can I expect? There is just enough light when the lights are off to see a faint shadow of my hand from a foot away. Thanks!

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Comments (7)

highjack
14 years ago
The experts say between 800 and 1200 fc's for a phal to grow and bloom.

I do know that 2' away from a sunny window and my light meter reads 600 fc's.

The lights in your room will mean nothing to the phal unless you can see sharp shadows when your lights are on and for several hours a day.

You can always try the location and if your plant declines, grows lanky and doesn't bloom, try a different situation with more light.

Brooke
coyle
Original Author
14 years ago
I'm hoping they can live where I've got them. So far they seem ok, but if they can't live there I can always put them outside. Thanks!
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I went with the plain glass, i.e., not low E. I'm a happy camper. It's like having a new window. The light in my room is so utterly changed that I'll walk into the living room and think I've left the door wide open. It's everything I hoped it would be. I do have a conventional screen door that's always in place, since I like to open my door for fresh air when it's warm enough to do so. So the screen somewhat effects the light, but one's eyes adjust to that. I've ordered a custom roller shade, as I need the privacy at night. Currently I have a long piece of craft paper that I hang with blue tape every night and take down in the morning. Yesterday it was almost 100 here and the late afternoon sun was brutal. I was too lazy to put the faux shade up. Here's the difference. It will really make a difference in the winter when it's too cold to have the door open. The screen door is all screen, no glass. Before After Morning, sun on the other side of house Midday, front door open
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westoh Z6
14 years ago
Living is one thing, flowering is a whole different story.

If you don't have pronounced shadows where they sit now, there is a very good chance they will not bloom. Most Phal. orchids can still grow/live in poor light, but they need good light to bloom. Put those puppies closer to the window if possible or get them outside in a shady location for as long as temps stay above 60 or higher. They may be able to get/store enough energy by leaving them outside that they will bloom when appropriate. In zone 9 I'd think they could be left out for a significant portion of the year which will greatly help in flowering.

Bob
orchid126
14 years ago
Ditto what Bob says. Outdoors for the summer in good light may rejuvinate them enough that it will sustain them till blooming in the winter.
coyle
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, I have a great location outside under my overhang.
stevec
14 years ago
Brooke,

>>The experts say between 800 and 1200 fc's for a phal to grow and bloom.

One q on this comment ... 800/1200 fc's for how long? ... i.e. how many hours a day at this intensity?

Thanks,
-Steve
highjack
14 years ago
Steve I can't give you precise information but can tell you if growing under lights you need 14-16 hours a day at 1000 fc.

If in front of an ESE window, when the sun shines the fc's were about 2000 fc's for 4-5 hours and then 600 the rest of the day.

In the g/h I get way more light than is needed for a phal to thrive and bloom because the light goes from 3000 fc's until about 1 and then down to 700 until dark.

The above is the three different places I have grown and bloomed phals. Hopefully you can glean some useful information for your particular grow area.

Brooke

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